This week in Acts chapter 17, we find Paul and Silas holed up in Thessalonica because of some riots started by some jealous Jews. They leave town at night to escape detection and find themselves in Berea. The scriptures tell us that the “Berean Jews were of more noble character than those in Thessalonica, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.” (v 11) I’m sure that Paul and Silas were elated to find themselves in a place where people were actually excited and receptive to hear the gospel message; unlike the previous place where they feared for their lives. Of course as we continue reading we find that the Thessalonian trouble makers were not through creating strife; they followed Paul and Silas to Berea and started it all over again! “But when the Jews from Thessalonica learned that the word of God was proclaimed by Paul at Berea also, they came there too, agitating and stirring up the crowds.” (v 13)Time and time again Paul and his buddies found themselves at the receiving end of conflict, violence, threats of death and mayhem of all sorts. Satan seemed to be chasing them everywhere they went to try and silence their message of truth. Like a cat chasing a mouse, trouble never seemed to be too far behind. I like what Dave said in his sermon on Sunday about working with Paul being hazardous to your health!
Because of the “agitators” Paul once again leaves and this time heads for the coast leaving Silas and Timothy behind. I’m sure Paul preached the whole way, never straying from the mission placed before him.
What’s interesting about this is that every time they were “silenced” in one town, they went to another, and then another, planting a trail of seed that would soon spring up and continue the ever forward advance of the gospel message. So Satan’s plan to silence them actually worked in God’s favor! Just think; If Paul hadn’t fled Berea and headed to Athens, he may have never noticed the altar “TO AN UNKNOWN GOD” which was the catalyst for his teaching at the Areopagus in verses 22-31.
Perhaps Paul had some of this thought in mind when he penned “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28)
Have you ever had times when you felt like Paul and Silas? Just when you think all is well, and life is good trouble shows up on your doorstep? Appearing to follow you wherever you go? Frustrating isn’t it? But is it possible that we too could look at these times of misfortune and hardship as opportunities to advance our faith? In James chapter 1 verse 2 we read, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”
While we do not like hearing it, there can be purpose in difficult situations. Like the conditioning we receive from exercise or hard work, trouble has a way of conditioning us as well; making us stronger and better suited to withstand the enemies attacks. Whether it’s self inflicted trouble, or trouble caused by outside influences, it all has potential to be a faith “conditioner” to bring us closer to our Heavenly Father and grow us spiritually.
As you walk through this life, keep in mind Jesus’ words in John 16:33b: “…In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” Remember; even though trouble may not be far behind, Jesus is closer.
Keep the faith!
Jimmy
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