Acts 14:19

Then Jews from Antioch and Iconium came there; and having persuaded the multitudes, they stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, supposing him to be dead.

Acts 14:19

On the surface, this does not seem to be a very encouraging verse for a devotional, but let’s dig a little deeper into the story.  In the verses that follow, the disciples gathered around Paul, and he rose up and went back into the city, spent the night, and the very next day departed for Derbe to continue on with his missionary journey.

Paul was someone who led by example, and he demonstrated his relentless commitment to the gospel by not missing a beat because of the “setback” he had just encountered.  When it came to ministry, Paul was a man of tenacity, purpose, and resolve.  In each of the ministries God has called us to, we are going to experience setbacks, diversions, and distractions. However, may we imitate Paul (1 Corinthians 4:16) and, by the power of God in our lives, overcome any obstacles that come our way.

Pastor Jeff Mericle