Faithfulness
Then the contention became so sharp that they parted from one another. So Barnabas took Mark and sailed to Cyprus; ~ Acts 15:39
This has always been a hard part of Paul’s story for me to handle. Earlier in Acts, in chapter 13, the Holy Spirit separated Paul and Barnabas to go together on missionary journeys. Now, because of a disagreement, they separate. There is no indication that the Holy Spirit said they should now go their separate ways, yet they did. Paul took Silas, and Barnabas took John Mark. Paul did not want to take John Mark because he had “quit” the minstry when things became difficult when he traveled with them earlier. He was not ready yet and had not learned steady faithfulness for the mission. These were not easy trips. The team faced trouble and tests in almost every city. They did not look for comforts or applause. They often ended up in prisons. Faithfulness was costly and uncertain.
Scripture does not say the split was outside God’s will, but God’s work continued despite the separation. These men did not abandon their mission. They moved in different directions and kept serving. Later, Paul welcomed John Mark as a valuable co-worker. Barnabas and John Mark also continued ministering. The story reminds us that God can multiply impact even when teams change. He keeps building His church as His servants stay faithful.
This may happen in your mission as well. For many reasons, people you serve with in one season may move on in another. That does not mean your assignment ends. You keep following where He leads, and you remain faithful to the calling He gave you. If others leave or take another path, God will send help from another place. Your part is to keep showing up, to keep doing the next obedient thing, and to trust Him for the people and resources you need.
Here are some ways you can remain faithful in your ministry:
• Show up wholeheartedly where you are, and do the work God has placed in your hands with excellence.
• Don’t let little things grow into big barriers between you and others. Address issues quickly, forgive freely, and move forward in love.
• Refuse bitterness, and bless those who move on to other assignments. Pray for their fruitfulness.
• Look for the John Marks around you, and make room for people who are still growing. Offer encouragement and training.
• Stay accountable to spiritual authority, and invite wise counsel before major changes.
• Measure success by faithfulness, and leave outcomes with God.
How to get started:
1. Write down your current commitments at home, church, and work, and choose one area where you will be consistently faithful this week.
2. Set a simple daily rhythm of prayer and Scripture, even ten focused minutes, to ask God to strengthen your steadiness.
3. Reach out to a leader or mentor to ask for one piece of feedback that will help you serve better.
4. Send a kind note to someone who used to serve with you to thank God for what He did through that season.
5. Pick one younger believer to encourage this month to invest time in their growth.
Today I want to encourage you to stay steady in the place God has you, just as Paul, Barnabas, and John Mark kept moving forward after a painful disagreement. Your faithfulness matters in every season. Keep your heart soft, keep your hands diligent, and keep your eyes on Jesus. As you do, He will guide your steps, supply your needs, and use your life to strengthen others.
Today’s scripture reading: Acts 15:36-41
36 Then after some days Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us now go back and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the Lord, and see how they are doing.”
37 Now Barnabas was determined to take with them John called Mark.
38 But Paul insisted that they should not take with them the one who had departed from them in Pamphylia, and had not gone with them to the work.
39 Then the contention became so sharp that they parted from one another. And so Barnabas took Mark and sailed to Cyprus;
40 but Paul chose Silas and departed, being commended by the brethren to the grace of God.
41 And he went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches.
Journal:
- Where is God asking you to stay faithful right now?
- What is one practical step you will take this week to serve well in that place?
The Daily Dose 