Creating stories
by Stuart Gray
Click here to download your printable verse to carry with you today.
They gathered the church together and reported all that God had done through them and how he had opened a door of faith to the Gentiles (Acts 14:27).
Read Acts 14:19–28
One thing I really like about travel is that it takes you out of your routine and comfort zone. It makes you live at a more conscious level. You may confront unfamiliar airports, train stations and road rules. Overseas, we may confront different languages, customs and foods. Sometimes, travel can be exhausting, but a good trip creates lots of stories to tell friends and family.
When reading the Book of Acts, at times, I have felt exhausted by the pace of travel that Paul, Barnabas and others undertook to spread the word of God.
In this passage, having been left for dead, a revived Paul set out the next day to go to another city that needed to hear about God’s saving grace. Then he and Barnabas returned to the three cities where they had encountered opposition but had also created new churches that needed support. Then, they were off again to other cities before returning to Antioch.
When the people of Antioch first heard the word, Paul was challenged by the Jews who stoned him. That must have made it difficult for the Christians of Antioch, new to a faith that the powerful people in their city strongly opposed.
How encouraged the newly converted at Antioch must have been to hear the stories of all God had done through Paul and Barnabas on opening the door of faith to the Gentiles! The Christians at Antioch were not completely isolated; their faith would have been reinforced and validated by hearing of the faith of others.
I have been very moved by stories of people’s conversion to Christianity, what it means to them when they talk of a sense of freedom, being loved and supported, and how their lives have been transformed.
But with all travel, even our life’s journey, we need to stop and take heed of all that has happened and to reflect, consolidate and take care of ourselves and others around us. It’s good to know Paul and Barnabas stayed in Antioch ‘a long time’.
Heavenly Father, help us to be ready with stories of how you work in our lives and how Christ died for all. Sustain us on our journey of life. We thank you for the people around us who support and validate us in our faith journey. Amen.
Stuart, with his wife Pamela Dalgliesh, lives in Mansfield, Victoria. Stuart has a background in agricultural science, rural journalism and corporate affairs. He loves living on a small farm in the beautiful High Country of Victoria, being involved in the Mansfield community and travelling. He is currently travelling in Europe, which will include a visit to the Poznan region of Poland, where some of Australia’s original German Lutherans came.
- Click here to read previous devotions.
- We are also posting them on LCA Facebook, making it easy for you to share them with family and friends.
- Sign up to receive Daily Devotion in your inbox every morning. If you’re already doing that, please encourage others to sign up. Click here for the link.
