God in All Situations

Scripture: With these words they scarcely restrained the crowds from sacrificing to them. Then some Jews from Antioch and Iconium came there and persuaded the crowds. They stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, supposing he was dead. But as the disciples gathered around him, he rose up and went into the city. The next day he departed with Barnabas for Derbe. Acts 14:18-20

Observation: Paul and Barnabas go to Lystra and are mistaken for gods due to signs and wonders performed through them. They have to actively prevent people from sacrificing to them as Greek gods. However, Jews from elsewhere have followed them, and they incite non believers to the point the stone Paul nearly to death.

That is a turn of events! At one moment there are people attempting to worship Paul and Barnabas, and they suddenly flip and try to kill them. These are initiated by two things. The worship is initiated by a miraculous healing of a crippled man. The stoning is initiated by Jews from Antioch and Iconium who stand opposed to The Way. In both cases, there are human actors involved. The actions of the Jews is clear, but the crippled man "had faith to be healed".

Application: In all circumstances, it is the actions of people that produce results, either for or against God. In the positive, the faith of Paul and the crippled man produce a healing. In the negative, the persuasion of angry Jews from another city incite attempted murder. And in between, the enthusiasm of confused people creates chaos involving myths.

I have seen all three of these in some fashion in my life. I have seen amazing acts and healing performed by faith. I have seen confused people not understand how to blend strange belief systems. I have seen angry groups attack innocent people. The challenge for me is ... can I see God at work in all three circumstances? Can I see his will and purpose and process working through even those situations involving people opposed to him? Can I see his love of the angry and confused and faithful?

Prayer: Lord, today I pray, help me to see you in everyone. May I see your will and your way in all circumstances, all people, and all times. Amen.