From the Daily Dose Journal Series

Get up and do it again

But after the disciples had gathered around him, he got up and went back into the city. The next day he and Barnabas left for Derbe. ~ Acts 14:20

No one knows for sure whether Paul actually died when he was stoned or if he was simply presumed dead. What we do know is this: when the disciples gathered around him, he got up. Then, in a move that still amazes me, he went right back into the very city where the people had just stoned him. If that were me, I would have left and never looked back, but Paul had a different kind of determination. He was fully convinced that God was with him and would raise him up if necessary.

This wasn’t the only time Paul displayed such bold resolve. When he and Silas were beaten and thrown into prison in Philippi, Paul didn’t sneak out quietly when he was released. He insisted on a public apology before leaving. (See Acts 16:40.) Paul knew who he was in Christ and what he had been called to do. He would not let opposition stop him from completing his assignment.

The point is that Paul and Barnabas pressed on through intense pressure and persecution. They didn’t let circumstances dictate their faith or their forward movement, and neither should we. Life brings setbacks, storms, and resistance, but those things do not define our purpose. They are only winds that blow. Some are mild, others fierce, but just like weather, they come and go. We still arrive at our destination when we keep moving forward. Our circumstances do not determine our mission. Our Father in heaven does.

Here are a few ways you can live this out when discouragement or difficulty tries to knock you down:

• Reconnect with your purpose. Take time to ask the Lord what He has called you to do today. It might be something small, like encouraging someone, or something more challenging. The important thing is to start where you are.
• Pray for strength and clarity. The same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead lives in you. Ask God to strengthen your heart and help you see your situation from His perspective.
• Surround yourself with faith-filled people. Just like the disciples gathered around Paul, stay close to those who will lift you up, speak life, and help you keep going.
• Take one step. Even if you don’t feel strong, take action anyway. Purpose often becomes clearer as you walk forward in faith.
• Don’t fear repetition. Sometimes the greatest victory comes not in doing something new, but in doing the right thing again and again.

Today I want to encourage you that no matter what you’re facing, do not give up. The winds may blow, and the pain may feel real, but God has not changed His plan for your life. Ask Him for vision and strength, and then press through whatever is standing in your way. Keep moving forward with courage. Then when tomorrow comes, get up and do it again.

Today’s scripture reading: Acts 14:19-28

19 Then Jews from Antioch and Iconium came there; and having persuaded the multitudes, they stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, supposing him to be dead.

20 However, when the disciples gathered around him, he rose up and went into the city. And the next day he departed with Barnabas to Derbe.

21 And when they had preached the gospel to that city and made many disciples, they returned to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch,

22 strengthening the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith, and saying, “We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God.”

23 So when they had appointed elders in every church, and prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord in whom they had believed.

24 And after they had passed through Pisidia, they came to Pamphylia.

25 Now when they had preached the word in Perga, they went down to Attalia.

26 From there they sailed to Antioch, where they had been commended to the grace of God for the work which they had completed.

27 Now when they had come and gathered the church together, they reported all that God had done with them, and that He had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles.

28 So they stayed there a long time with the disciples.

Journal:

• What situation in your life has made you feel like giving up?
• What is one step you can take today to move forward in faith?
• Ask the Lord to speak to you about your assignment for today.
• Write down what you sense Him saying.