Acts 14:21-25
I was thinking that it was pretty nervy for Paul and Barnabas to travel back through Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch after the people there had tried to kill them. Yet there were many believers in those cities, and Paul wanted to strengthen and encourage them in their newfound faith. He also appointed elders over each church and, after prayer and fasting, entrusted them to the care of God.
It is difficult to let go sometimes. At this point, Paul had no idea if he would ever pass that way again, and I can tell you that, as a minister, that is one of the most difficult things you face. You have to entrust people into God’s care because you will not be with them day in and day out. Paul carried the weight and care of the people in his heart. It is like a parent watching a child leave for college or move out on their own for the first time. There are many dangers from which parents have protected their children, but now they are exposed to the realities of life, and you pray that you have equipped them well enough to face its challenges.
As believers, we face not only the normal challenges of life but also spiritual persecution and opposition. There is a target on your back, and if you do not understand the nature of the battle, you can easily fall victim to it. Listen to these words from Paul, spoken toward the end of his ministry to the Ephesian elders:
““So guard yourselves and God’s people. Feed and shepherd God’s flock—his church, purchased with his own blood—over which the Holy Spirit has appointed you as leaders. I know that false teachers, like vicious wolves, will come in among you after I leave, not sparing the flock. Even some men from your own group will rise up and distort the truth in order to draw a following. Watch out! Remember the three years I was with you—my constant watch and care over you night and day, and my many tears for you.”
Acts of the Apostles 20:28-31 NLT
Consider these words from John:
“Some of the traveling teachers recently returned and made me very happy by telling me about your faithfulness and that you are living according to the truth. I could have no greater joy than to hear that my children are following the truth.”
3 John 1:3-4 NLT
There is no greater joy for me than knowing that people are staying strong in the Lord. My prayer is that their connection with the Lord remains strong so that they can withstand the onslaughts of the enemy. Life is not just about the here and now, but about eternity as well. Live with an understanding of the battle we face and the destination toward which we are headed. That perspective changes the way we view the challenges and trials of life.
As Paul so famously instructed us all:
“A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm.”
Ephesians 6:10-13 NLT
Excellent advice!
Paul and Barnabas understood that the churches they left behind would face opposition, which is why they returned to strengthen the believers and appoint godly leaders. Their concern was not merely that people would make a profession of faith, but that they would persevere in the faith. Anyone can start a race, but finishing well requires endurance.
May we be people who not only begin well but also finish well. May we encourage those around us, strengthen the weak, and faithfully entrust one another to God's care, knowing that He is able to keep and sustain those who belong to Him.
The true measure of spiritual success is not how many people start the journey, but how many remain faithful to the end. Paul's heart was not simply to win converts but to make disciples who would stand firm when trials came. His example reminds us that spiritual growth requires encouragement, perseverance, and a deep dependence upon God. While we cannot walk the journey for others, we can point them to the One who promises never to leave them nor forsake them.
It is difficult to let go sometimes. At this point, Paul had no idea if he would ever pass that way again, and I can tell you that, as a minister, that is one of the most difficult things you face. You have to entrust people into God’s care because you will not be with them day in and day out. Paul carried the weight and care of the people in his heart. It is like a parent watching a child leave for college or move out on their own for the first time. There are many dangers from which parents have protected their children, but now they are exposed to the realities of life, and you pray that you have equipped them well enough to face its challenges.
As believers, we face not only the normal challenges of life but also spiritual persecution and opposition. There is a target on your back, and if you do not understand the nature of the battle, you can easily fall victim to it. Listen to these words from Paul, spoken toward the end of his ministry to the Ephesian elders:
““So guard yourselves and God’s people. Feed and shepherd God’s flock—his church, purchased with his own blood—over which the Holy Spirit has appointed you as leaders. I know that false teachers, like vicious wolves, will come in among you after I leave, not sparing the flock. Even some men from your own group will rise up and distort the truth in order to draw a following. Watch out! Remember the three years I was with you—my constant watch and care over you night and day, and my many tears for you.”
Acts of the Apostles 20:28-31 NLT
Consider these words from John:
“Some of the traveling teachers recently returned and made me very happy by telling me about your faithfulness and that you are living according to the truth. I could have no greater joy than to hear that my children are following the truth.”
3 John 1:3-4 NLT
There is no greater joy for me than knowing that people are staying strong in the Lord. My prayer is that their connection with the Lord remains strong so that they can withstand the onslaughts of the enemy. Life is not just about the here and now, but about eternity as well. Live with an understanding of the battle we face and the destination toward which we are headed. That perspective changes the way we view the challenges and trials of life.
As Paul so famously instructed us all:
“A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm.”
Ephesians 6:10-13 NLT
Excellent advice!
Paul and Barnabas understood that the churches they left behind would face opposition, which is why they returned to strengthen the believers and appoint godly leaders. Their concern was not merely that people would make a profession of faith, but that they would persevere in the faith. Anyone can start a race, but finishing well requires endurance.
May we be people who not only begin well but also finish well. May we encourage those around us, strengthen the weak, and faithfully entrust one another to God's care, knowing that He is able to keep and sustain those who belong to Him.
The true measure of spiritual success is not how many people start the journey, but how many remain faithful to the end. Paul's heart was not simply to win converts but to make disciples who would stand firm when trials came. His example reminds us that spiritual growth requires encouragement, perseverance, and a deep dependence upon God. While we cannot walk the journey for others, we can point them to the One who promises never to leave them nor forsake them.
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