Keeping Right On!

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Scripture

So they went on their way from the presence of the Council, rejoicing that they had been considered worthy to suffer shame for His name.
(Acts 5:41 NASB)
And every day, in the temple and from house to house, they kept right on teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ.
(Acts 5:42 NASB)

 

Observation


The apostles were singularly focused. They knew what they were to be doing every single day and that was to tell others about Jesus. They wanted to be faithful to Jesus and so they gave everything they could to him every single day. Their positive feedback came in the form of punishment. When they were punished for spreading the word about him they rejoiced for it simply reinforced that they were doing what Jesus had called them to do.

 

Application


Sometimes it can be easy for me to become discouraged. Being back in Russia for a few days has reminded me about just how difficult life can be here. Simple tasks in the US become a major project and the emotional and physical energy to complete the tasks can suck all the life out of you! We all have moments like this when we simply don't feel that we have the energy to go on, and yet, we are called to go on! We are called to keep on keeping on! The first century followers of Christ were not encouraged by outsiders. Rather, they were torn down, criticized, beaten and told to keep their mouths shut. What did they do in the midst of those circumstances? They praised the Lord -- and they went out and continued to do what God had called them to do, and what they were called to do is the same task to which we are called. We are to be God's people who day in and day out keep on keeping on, teaching and preaching Jesus! The obstacles of life should actually serve as catalysts to the ministry. Yes, things are difficult, but it is in the difficulties that we see God do his work. We are encouraged in the midst of the persecution and in the obstacles for they simply become more circumstances in which the power of God can be revealed in our lives! Let them throw the stones in our paths -- because if we make it through the obstacle course it will not be to reveal who we are -- but rather who He is! We must not give up -- we must keep on doing his work every single day.

 

Prayer


Lord, please help me today to be your servant in all that I do! Amen.

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