Have you ever noticed how God often uses bad situations or circumstances in our lives to do some of His most amazing work?  I think of how God used one of the toughest, most difficult situations in my life to bring me to Advent.  I think of all of the blessings that I know have as a result of that.  I also hope that God has used me to be a blessing to many as a result.  Yet without walking through that difficulty none of this would have happened.  I’d like to look at a situation like that from Acts 11 together today

19 Now those who had been scattered by the persecution that broke out when Stephen was killed traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus and Antioch, spreading the word only among Jews. 20 Some of them, however, men from Cyprus and Cyrene, went to Antioch and began to speak to Greeks also, telling them the good news about the Lord Jesus. 21 The Lord’s hand was with them, and a great number of people believed and turned to the Lord. 22 News of this reached the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. 23 When he arrived and saw what the grace of God had done, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts. 24 He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord. 25 Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, 26 and when he found him, he brought him to Antioch. So for a whole year Barnabas and Saul met with the church and taught great numbers of people. The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch.

After Stephen is killed massive persecution breaks out.  Saul/Paul is a leading figure in this persecution but as a result believers are scattered all over often leaving family and friends.  This difficult period leads to the gospel being shared all over and in particular many in Antioch came to faith and the church are quite large and strong there.  He even used Saul/Paul there as one of the main forces along with Barnabus of building and discipling the church.  God certainly has a sense of humor.  He uses the man who many were running from to build the church in the place where they run to.  As you inevitably walk through difficult times in your life be on the lookout for the big things that God does in the midst of those times of challenge.  I pray that He would do amazing things in and through your life!

In His Grip,
Pastor Dave