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TODAY'S DEVOTION: MARCH 21, 2020
GREATER DISCOMFORT
"And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles. And devout men carried Stephen to his burial, and made great lamentation over him. As for Saul, he made havock of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison. Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word."
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Acts 8:1-4 (KJV)
PREVIOUS devotion: march 21, 2020
​Reflection:
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Persecution pushed the believers out of their homes, out of Jerusalem, and along with them went the gospel. This great movement fulfilled Jesus’ command given to the disciples in Acts 1:8 (KJV) says:
"But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth."
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Persecution helped spread the gospel. Though the believers experienced great personal discomfort, God would bring great results from their suffering.
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Sometimes we have to become uncomfortable before God moves us into something new He has planned for us.
We may resist, not wanting to experience it, but discomfort may be best for us because God may be working through our hurts and pain.
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Next time we are tempted to complain about our discomfort, consider whether this is really God’s intention for us.
Rather than resist our circumstances, rejoice in the possibility that they will be used by God for our good (Romans 8:28).
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Perhaps God is preparing the ground for using us in a particular way.
At the very least our discomfort will be part of our growth and maturity.
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Prayer:
‘Heavenly Father, help me to remember that You allow times of discomfort for my good and growth. Thank You that at these times I can remain strong in You and allow Your Peace to fill me and flow through me to be a strong witness for Your Name. In Jesus’ Mighty Name, Amen.