THEME:
At one time or another, all of us have wanted to quit when the going gets tough. But remember, like Paul, God will faithfully walk with you as you face your own challenges. Then, when all is said and done, you can say that you ran the race, you were faithful, and others came to know Jesus because you cared enough to persevere. Be like those in the early church: Never stop. Never give in. And always rely on God.
KEY SCRIPTURE:
Acts 21:18-28:31
Acts 21:27-30
When the seven days were almost completed, the Jews from Asia, seeing him in the temple, stirred up the whole crowd and laid hands on him, crying out, “Men of Israel, help! This is the man who is teaching everyone everywhere against the people and the law and this place. Moreover, he even brought Greeks into the temple and has defiled this holy place.” For they had previously seen Trophimus the Ephesian with him in the city, and they supposed that Paul had brought him into the temple. Then all the city was stirred up, and the people ran together. They seized Paul and dragged him out of the temple, and at once the gates were shut.
Your desire to never give in and rely on God may be severely tested
God will bring his resources to bear when you step out in faith and rely on him
Acts 21:31-32
And as they were seeking to kill him, word came to the tribune of the cohort that all Jerusalem was in confusion. He at once took soldiers and centurions and ran down to them. And when they saw the tribune and the soldiers, they stopped beating Paul.
Acts 27:39-44
Now when it was day, they did not recognize the land, but they noticed a bay with a beach, on which they planned if possible to run the ship ashore. So they cast off the anchors and left them in the sea, at the same time loosening the ropes that tied the rudders. Then hoisting the foresail to the wind they made for the beach. But striking a reef, they ran the vessel aground. The bow stuck and remained immovable, and the stern was being broken up by the surf. The soldiers’ plan was to kill the prisoners, lest any should swim away and escape. But the centurion, wishing to save Paul, kept them from carrying out their plan. He ordered those who could swim to jump overboard first and make for the land, and the rest on planks or on pieces of the ship. And so it was that all were brought safely to land.
The Bible offers assurance that God will never forsake you, and he keeps his promises
Acts 28:30-31
He lived there two whole years at his own expense, and welcomed all who came to him, proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance.
Satan will try and persuade you to quit, but don’t stop being a gospel warrior