Acts 9:1,2 "Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the Lord's disciples. He went to the high priest and asked him for letters to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any there who belonged to the Way, whether men or women, he might take them as prisoners to Jerusalem."
The tension during these formative years of the Church was so thick that many of the followers of Christ (ones on the Way) scattered themselves abroad among the country just to stay alive. However, this adversary Saul, was used by God to scatter the believers to preach the message of Jesus Christ as the resurrected Messiah to accomplish Jesus command of "go into all the world" (Matthew 28:18-20). Instead of creating a massive bonfire in one location, the flames of Jesus were scattered in other regions to increase its effectiveness and impact.
Our impact prayer has been: God interrupt my life, disturb me. Push me off of complacent and comfortable. Fill me with compassion - for Your glory. How will God do that? Many times He will use the many adversities of life.
During adversity we all have considered whether or not we can "handle the heat". But God is wanting to build up His Church... that's us, not destroy us. If we give ourselves to the process of adversity it build us up and accomplish great things.
Adversity reveals true Character.
Adversity tests the heart of its true Convictions.
Adversity strengthens ones Commitments.
Adversity allows the sovereignty of Christ to be made known.
What's our prayer during times of Adversity? Ask for boldness to stand strong and expect God to do above and beyond what's normal!
Acts 4:23-30 "...Lord, You are God, who made heaven and earth and the sea, and all that is in them... and now, Lord, look on their threats, and grant to Your servants that with all boldness they may speak Your word, by stretching our Your hand to heal, and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of Your holy Servant Jesus."
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