When Scott was diagnosed with cancer in early 2009, one of the most difficult tasks we faced was telling our children. Bathed in prayer, we sat down and told them as straightforward as we knew how. They were sad but not defeated, concerned but not overwhelmed. Our children immediately ministered to us as we saw their complete assurance that God would take care of us no matter what.
Three days later our oldest, Hannah, was off to a special youth weekend. She was staying in a local home with at least 15 other 7th grade girls. By the end of weekend, nearly every girl in her house had made a profession of faith or a rededication. Many of those girls credited Hannah's deep assurance in God's goodness in the midst of a nearly insurmountable trial as part of their motivation for wanting to draw closer to God themselves. We were only three days into this season of difficulty and God, in His goodness, was already revealing how He would bring about good from this situation.
This morning I am reading Acts 11. Peter has returned to Jerusalem and immediately faced opposition from the Jewish Christians there as to why he had associated himself with Gentiles. The early Christian church had difficulty separating themselves from following the law and had clung to some practices. Peter was leading the way to a new practice of following Christ instead. (Verses 1-18)
Luke next turns his attention to the Christians who were scattered after the stoning of Stephen. Out of that season of great suffering, God has brought about His purpose. The gospel is spreading to towns outside of Israel. Some are even beginning to share the good news with non-Jews (Verses 19-21). When those early Christians were fleeing, frightened for their very lives, they could have no idea what God would accomplish through the worst of circumstances.
As this chapter comes to a close, the Jerusalem church sends Barnabas to Antioch to minister to these new non-Jewish Christians. Barnabus goes to Tarsus to recruit Saul's help and together they teach these new Christians for an entire year (Verses 22-26). Each of those faithful followers who planted seeds in the hearts of these Christians, could not imagine that Saul would begin his lifelong career as a missionary as a result of their faithfulness.
As Scott went through his surgery and recovery, his life was slowed to the pace where God could open his eyes to the multitude of hurting people all around him every day. Scott's heart was softened and he began to spend a great deal of his time at the hospital, in homes and at his office ministering to people who just needed hope in the midst of a dark time. Indeed, God brings about good from the miseries that enter our lives. What a great joy it is to know that wherever and whatever we find ourselves in on any given day, that God is weaving a tapestry of goodness out of the threads of our pain.
Thank you for the example of these early Christians. Even in the worst of circumstances they continued to walk faithfully with you. Even though their names are not recorded in Your Word, the impact of lives continues until today. Jesus, today I know that whatever awaits me, You will be faithful to use not only for my good but also the good of others.
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