We’ve been following Paul and his team on his second missionary journey. Let’s review what has happened so far. Paul has entered new territory as he entered Philippi, it is the country we today know as Greece. There he has many converts and the Lord uses him to cast out a demon in a young girl. This miracle has unintended consequences. Paul and Silas are beaten and falsely imprisoned. But even there they continue to sing God’s praises.
God sends an earthquake which gets the jailer’s attention and Paul uses this as an opportunity to witness to the jailer and his whole family. Then Paul and Silas must leave town and they move onto the city of Thessalonica. How did they have the ability to persevere? Why didn’t they just give up? Paul gives us the answer in a letter that he would write to the church at Thessalonica.
1 Thess. 2:2, You remember how we had just suffered through brutal and insulting attacks in Philippi; but because of God, we boldly stepped into the open to tell you His good news, even though it would likely mean more conflict for us.[1]
Paul and Silas could continue because of their faith in God and the purpose God had given them. They could persevere through the power of the Holy Spirit who gave them the courage to persevere. How about you? Where do you need help to persevere? God is only a prayer away.
To hear how there is a harvest of souls in the battle, listen here: https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/series/mission-trip-two-radio-show/harvest-in-the-battle
[1] The Voice Bible Copyright © 2012 Thomas Nelson, Inc. The Voice™ translation © 2012 Ecclesia Bible Society