Think of this. Paul and Barnabas on their first Missionary Journey to spread the news of the gospel. There was no doubt as to the call of the Holy Spirit on their lives. They could have comfortably remained teaching and preaching in Antioch. Afterall, they were leaders in that church. Already having faced the opposition, the church was flourishing. Surely that was God would allow them to remain, growing that church and teaching them in the faith. But instead God called them to leave that church and go out into the world. They surrendered fully to the calling of the Holy Spirit. No hesitation! No questions asked! Off they went, embarking on a treacherous journey and leaving the familiar behind. What gave them the strength to persist in faith and missions, regardless of what treacherous trials they might face?
What if God calls you out of your comfort zone into lands unknown? Perhaps it is merely a new job He has called you to (or even has shoved you into by it being the only open door). It may not have been what you wanted or what you had planned. Yet, it is where God’s Sovereign Hand had placed you. Remember there are no “oops” in God’s plan for your life. Have you landed in a place where you feel silenced? “Surely God does not mean for me to be a witness here!”, you think. Still this is where He placed you. Or perhaps you see the need for ministry but feel yourself to be the wrong person for the task. You want to; but you feel your faith is not big enough. How do you persist in faith and missions, when you see your own failures looming?
Paul and Barnabas Persist in Faith and Missions
Chapter 14 recounts the first Missionary Trip of Paul and Barnabas as they travel through the land of Galatia. One would think with God sending them, they would be met with open arms wherever they went. Right? Isn’t that what it is supposed to be? No! In fact, Jesus said, “In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. (John 16:33).
Which brings us to key #1 on how to persist in faith and missions. Keep your eyes firmly fixed on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:2).
Paul and Barnabas planted many churches along their journey to Perga, Antioch of Pisidia, Iconium, Lystra, and Derbe. Each stop along the way, there were many new converts for Jesus Christ. And each stop along the way, proved treacherous for Paul and Barnabas. Their message divided the people, leading to angry mobs trying to kill Paul and Barnabas. Sometimes they were cast out of the city they were in, only for them to persist in their faith and missions to the next city in front of them. Never pausing to recuperate or “regain their bearings”, they continue teaching and preaching the gospel. It was not necessary to “change their message” in hopes of being accepted by more. Instead they remained steadfast to the truth, unwavering and uncompromising.
Indeed, Paul was stoned so severely the attackers believed him to be dead and left him outside the city. When he came to, he got up walked back into the city to retrieve Barnabas and left “immediately” to go and preach in the next city. What allowed Paul to Persist? Key #2: Never lose sight of the truth. No pain or suffering is too great to bear for the salvation of one soul.
The Strength to Stand and Persist
What a miracle! Paul so severely injured walked 30 miles to the next city to continue preaching the gospel message. No pity parties. No questioning himself or God regarding his mission; instead a steady resolve to persist in what he was called to do. How? Key #3: Paul never lost sight of God’s Power within him. Never did he consider for one moment that this power was from himself. He knew the source of his strength. Indeed, whenever Paul prayed for others, he asked that they be enlightened to the power of the Holy Spirit within them.
For this cause, I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named. That He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might by His Spirit in the inner man. That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith. That ye, being rooted and grounded in love, May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height: To know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge. That ye might be filled with all the fulness of God. Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us. Unto Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen. (Ephesians 3:14-21).
Fearless in Christ’s strength
In fact, Paul returned to every city along that path to exhort the new believers to persist in their faith. He went to every city he had been expelled from, to encourage these new believers in their faith.
And when they had preached the gospel to that city, and had taught many, they returned again to Lystra, and to Iconium, and Antioch, Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God. And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed. Act 14:21-23
There is never a promise of prosperity within the gospel. No promise of an easy life along this journey. But there is a promise of peace amid the turmoil, joy that remains steadfast through the sorrows, and hope that reigns eternal as we keep our eyes fixed upon our Savior and King.
So, how does one persist in faith and mission? Eyes transfixed on Jesus, filled with the Holy Spirit, we march forward one foot at a time. He is our strength for we have none. Furthermore, He is all that we need to persist.
DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR AND LORD?
If you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord: I urge you to go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link. There is nothing more important than this; because, He is the way, the truth and the life. Therefore, I urge you to seek Him today.
PREVIOUSLY
Are You Ever Responsible for Another’s Salvation?
When You Step Forward for God and Satan Attacks
What Characteristics Really Define a Missionary?
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©Effie Darlene Barba, 2019
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