Difficult, Determined Work

Acts 14:24-28 After going through Pisidia, they came into Pamphylia, 25 and when they had preached the word in Perga, they went down to Attalia. 26 From Attalia they sailed back to Antioch, where they had been committed to the grace of God for the work they had now completed. 27 On arriving there, they gathered the church together and reported all that God had done through them and how he had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles. 28 And they stayed there a long time with the disciples.
 
IN Acts 13-14 Luke (Remember Luke is the one who chronicles this history.) tells us of Paul’s and Barnabas’ work in about 13 different cities plus regions of Cyprus and other territories. They were busy men, determined to do a very difficult work for the Lord. We can scarcely understand the degree of physical, mental and emotional effort this ground-breaking evangelism and discipleship required. Paul would later describe the strain of his work: 2 Corinthians 11:27 I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked. We have read that Paul and Barnabas were abused in various cities. Such opposition would deprive them of sleep, food and drink.
   Fruit-bearing ministry, too, has no set schedule. The Spirit may move in particular ways to cause a great response and long-lasting gatherings to pray, praise and worship the Lord. Teaching and preaching requires strength and durability. Traveling from place to place, too, was always a physical challenge for them. This is still is for very many of you reading this.
   Determined work with Jesus requires much. That’s why determined work with Jesus leads to much reward. Paul’s and Barnabas’ return to Antioch, where they were first commissioned to their work, is a joyous reunion. How encouraged and strengthened they would have been to see that their work was bearing fruit.
   A determined, productive Christian life requires a balanced life that works in unity with many believers. We must know when it’s time to sleep and when it’s time to get up, time to lead and time to follow, time to teach and a time to listen. The church is a body of believers. A body requires all parts to function well to be healthy, strong and productive. Be a church that supports your pastor with determined Jesus-centered prayer, love, joy and purpose. Be a pastor that supports your church with determined Jesus-centered prayer, love, joy and purpose.