[Acts 14, Proverbs 23]

H – Acts 14:21–22, “[21] When they had preached the gospel to that city and had made many disciples, they returned to Lystra and to Iconium and to Antioch, [22] strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying that through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God.”

E – Perseverance!

I can’t read the book of Acts without asking, “How?” How was Paul and the Apostles able to keep going? “Why?” Why did they keep going when they could have quit and run to safety?

There was an attempt to mistreat and stone them in Iconium (14:5). Paul was stoned and dragged out of the city considered dead in Lystra (14:19). They persevered in travel back to the believers in Antioch. 

Yet, they continued to boldly and intentionally preach the Gospel (14:7). They did not waver. They persevered in the purpose God had called them to (14:26). 

The answer to the “why” is simply because they believed in what they were speaking about. They had full confidence and full belief in the Gospel. They could not not speak about Jesus, for they knew the power of Christ to save and rescue. The Gospel was worth everything to them because this world had nothing it could offer to give them peace. 

The answer to the “how” is because they were filled with His Spirit and power. They took time to strengthen their souls, encouraged one another to continue in the faith, and expected the persecution coming (14:22). They knew the “how” to continue could only be Christ in them and through them. 

A – The Gospel is worth everything. Perseverance of the Saints should be a by-product of the Gospel in and through my life. Make sure that I’m growing in faith, being strengthened in and through His Spirit – through His Word. Make preparations for when persecution may come my way that I will boldly proclaim truth and not give in or give up. 

R – Lord God, thank you for salvation. Thank you for life. Thank you for hope. Thank you for protection. Thank you for assurance. Lord, would you continue to pour your Spirit out on me? Give me the patience to endure, the power to proclaim, and the passion to persevere. 

In Jesus Name!