Acts 14:19

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.

Jeff Mericle