So the church throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria had peace and was being built up. And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, it multiplied. Acts 9:31 - Truly a wonderful type of verse to read in the book of Acts. The church all throughout the area of Israel was growing, had peace, and was being built up. We see here that it was continuing to multiply and grow exactly like God was wanting it to. But let us remember the context behind all this. This growth wasn’t taking place in a season of zero persecution. They had been scattered all throughout the Roman area, were being imprisoned simply for their faith in Jesus, and even were being condemned to death for it. Yet, what we see in this verse was that the church had peace. In the midst of great persecution and condemnation, the Church was able to have peace and was able to continue to grow. While it seems so counter to our understanding we must remember that in the seasons of greatest persecution is a time we begin to see God bringing his peace and growth in ways like never before. No these aren’t seasons that we would invite into our lives, but they are seasons that if we allow them to be can be the most joyous seasons of our lives. Joyous not because of really anything we are experiencing during that season, but joyous because the end result of that season was growth in the Lord. I doubt any of the first century Christians desired persecution or desired imprisonment, yet they still enjoyed the peace and growth that came throughout that season. So if the season you’re in right now is a challenging season, find joy in the fact that the end result of this season, if you allow it to be, can be growth in the Lord and a peace that passes all understanding. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 3617
Question To Ponder: Why might a season of persecution grow the church more than a season of peace?
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