Have you committed to serving God yet people don’t understand you? Do you feel alone on a deserted island? Your friendships seem strained and you don’t know why. When you speak, your words are misunderstood. You wonder if you’re on the right path. Surely, this couldn’t be what God intended. Thoughts swirl that maybe you missed the mark. So instead of pressing into the things of God, you shrink. Instead of studying the Bible, you binge watch your favorite shows. Your normal prayer time is replaced with endless scrolling on social media. Despite all of this, the time has come for your resurrection. Arise for God has need of you.
The Story: Acts 14:8-20
In Acts 14:8-20, Paul and Barnabas went into a city and saw a man crippled from birth. As Paul spoke, he recognized faith in the man. As a result, he told the man to stand up. Immediately, the man stood and started walking.
This miracle amazed the crowd in attendance. They determined that Paul and Barnabas were Greek gods and began to worship and sacrifice to them. In the dismay of Paul and Barnabas, the two men tore their clothes and admonished the crowd to cease their actions. They advised the crowd that they were mere humans and the living God healed the man. Despite their efforts to quell the misplaced worship, they couldn’t. Some Jews came and won the crowd to their side. They stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city. Although they thought Paul was dead, he got up and went back into town.
The Lesson
This passage shows us the miracle working power of a living God. WOW! Paul and Barnabas worked under the leading of God. Therefore, God moved on their behalf even when the Jews left Paul to die. The same goes for you as your resurrection has come.
Although you may feel overlooked and wonder if your best days are over, I’m here to tell you, they are NOT! As long as you have breath in your lungs, God isn’t done. Yes, you were knocked down. They even left you for dead. The pain was real and the stones hurt. Despite all you experienced, God said, “It’s time for your resurrection.” Dust yourself off and get back to work. Therefore, continue the work God gave you. The support is there waiting for you to arise.
