In Acts 16:9-15 we read of Paul and his friends traveling to the Macedonian town of Philippi, a Roman colony, to spread the Gospel of Jesus. Paul had tried to go elsewhere but then had a vision of a Macedonian man asking that he “come over and help us” (Acts 16:9). They go to Philippi and meet a group of women worshipping on the Sabbath and share their testimony.
Lydia, a wealthy business woman and a leader in the community invites them to stay at her home, so they now have a place to operate from and continue their work. It sounds like they will have an easy time, but if we read further in Acts 16 – 17, we will hear that they encounter resistance and danger. Paul and his group are dependent on God for their very lives, but their faith sustains them.
If we are honest, we are in the same situation, even if we are in familiar territory. We are comfortable and things go well, but then we find ourselves thrown into turmoil and feel we have nowhere to turn. If we put our trust in God, we have nothing to fear. It doesn’t mean we will avoid all difficulties, but it does give us the assurance that our present trouble will not affect our eternal salvation. Press on in faith, God is with us even when we are troubled by worldly opposition.
Gracious God, help us to see that our current problems are only temporary. Give us the strength to rely on Your love, and see that Your plan for our lives is forever. Amen.