“And Saul approved of their killing him. On that day a great persecution broke out against the church in Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria.” “Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went.” Acts 8:1, 4
Stephen had just been stoned to death for his belief in and his talking about Jesus. A man named Saul is suddenly brought on to the scene. He will show up more later. After the death of Stephen, open persecution of Christians started. Those that were persecuted were scattered all over Judea and Samaria. Wherever they were scattered they started preaching the gospel message.
When Jesus walked on the earth he had preached His message only in a small area in Israel. He did not go outside of the area of Israel. Nor did He get to every town and village in Israel.
All those who believed in Jesus stayed where they were. There was no reason to leave. That is until the persecution started up. The people moved away to get away from the persecution.
As they moved away they brought the gospel message to more people. Instead of staying in a tight closed circle, that circle broadened to include many new areas and people. The persecution allowed the gospel message to be brought to more people.
God uses everything for the good of His people. This means even the bad things in life. God used the persecution to spread His message of love.
You may not be in severe persecution that threatens your life, but you may go through difficult times that move you somewhere else. These movements allow you the chance to bring the gospel message to new people. These movements may be in a physical moving, or a job change, or a sickness, or many other things.
When persecution happens you must look at it as an opportunity to be a witness for Jesus in a new way. Yes, persecution is bad and no one wants it, however God can use it.
Are you willing to be used by God? Are you making the most of every opportunity? Or are you bitter and angry with God for your situation? Jesus went through extreme persecution to bring you salvation, what less should you do for others?
I pray today that God will show you ways to be His witness; that God will strengthen you to be His witness; that you will use every opportunity to be His witness; that God will strengthen you in times of persecution; and that God’s kingdom will grow greater.
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