God Opened A Door of Faith [Acts 14]

1In Iconium they entered the synagogue of the Jews together, and spoke in such a manner that a large number of people believed, both of Jews and of Greeks.

 2But the Jews who disbelieved stirred up the minds of the Gentiles and embittered them against the brethren.

 3Therefore they spent a long time there speaking boldly with reliance upon the Lord, who was testifying to the word of His grace, granting that signs and wonders be done by their hands.


 26From there they sailed to Antioch, from which they had been commended to the grace of God for the work that they had accomplished.

 27When they had arrived and gathered the church together, they began to report all things that God had done with them and how He had opened a door of faith to the Gentiles.

 28And they spent a long time with the disciples.


 

Two thoughts encouraged me from these verses:

The first thought is about grace (how God is doing the work). "They were speaking boldly with reliance upon the Lord." It was the Lord who was testifying to this "word of grace of His grace by granting that signs and wonders be done by their hands." It was God who did the work and it was God who "had opened a door of faith to the Gentiles."  There was no doubt in their minds Who had done the work and they gladly acknowledged and gave the credit to God.


The second thought that brought encouragement to my soul was mentioned twice - "they spent a long time there."  They invested time as they discipled the new believers. I am thankful that they took the time needed to encourage each other and to grow in their faith.


 

I praise You, God, that You invested Your power and Your faithfulness into the lives of the Christ- followers.  You are the One who does the work.  Cause me to alway point to You when others observe the work.  Thank You that You are also gracious with time.  You are not inpatient when You are working in my life or in other people.

 


Verna McCrillis, 4/30/2009