Encourage and Exhort, Regardless of Circumstances
Scripture Passage: Acts 20:1-6 (NASB)
1 After the uproar had ceased, Paul sent for the disciples, and when he had encouraged them and taken his leave of them, he left to go to Macedonia. 2 When he had gone through those regions and had given them much encouragement, he came to Greece. 3 And there he spent three months, and when a plot was formed against him by the Jews as he was about to set sail for Syria, he decided to return through Macedonia. 4 And he was accompanied by Sopater of Berea, the son of Pyrrhus, and by Aristarchus and Secundus of the Thessalonians, and Gaius of Derbe, and Timothy, and Tychicus and Trophimus of Asia. 5 Now these had gone on ahead and were waiting for us at Troas. 6 We sailed from Philippi after the days of Unleavened Bread, and reached them at Troas within five days; and we stayed there for seven days.
SUMMARY
After the upheavals in Ephesus, Paul summons the disciples and gives them words of encouragement. He then goes to Macedonia and exhorts the disciples in Philippi, Thessalonica, and Berea. Despite many obstacles and even threats to his life, Paul not only encourages the disciples but continues on with the purpose and mission that Jesus gave him – to raise the saints and unite the church.
MEDITATION AND REFLECTION
Today’s text describes how Paul continues to exhort and encourage the disciples and moves forward with God’s mission without wavering in any way.
During the past year as I navigated COVID, being at home all the time and dealing with chronic pain, at times I’ve been short and impatient with my students (who I’m teaching remotely), my son and my husband. I’ve justified myself by thinking that this is a difficult time for me, so I’m entitled to lose my patience and get irritated from time to time. But in today’s text, Paul does not stop encouraging and exhorting the disciples. He continues with the mission that Jesus gave him, without wavering in any way no matter the circumstances. I was challenged to stand firm as I equip myself with His words and prayers daily, that I might not be engulfed by circumstances but instead continue to fulfill the purpose that God has given me – to encourage and exhort people around me and shine the light of God at home, at work and at church.
APPLICATION
At times I become depressed and filled with negative and hopeless thoughts that the enemy gives. Just remaining in such a state and being controlled by my feelings seem to take less effort. But I cannot love, think of or encourage other people when I am consumed by my own pain and obstacles. I want to consciously encourage and exhort myself with His words and prayers instead of giving into negative feelings, so I can also genuinely support and encourage others with the truth and prayers.
Specifically, when I am not feeling well physically, when my chronic shoulder pain feels worse, I want to instantly stop my negative thoughts and say the following short prayer.
PRAYER
Lord, your love and your power are infinitely greater than the pain that I feel right now. I admit that I feel discouraged and burdened because of the pain. Holy Spirit, would you encourage me with your truth, carry my burden and give me strength to continue on with the purpose of encouraging others around me with much joy… In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.
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