“Those who had been scattered by the persecution… began to speak to Greeks also, telling them the Good News about the Lord Jesus.” Acts 11:19-20
It is persecution and suffering that led the early church to carry out the Great Commission. Soon after the resurrection, Jesus commanded his disciples to go and make more disciples of all the nations. However, these former fishermen and tax collectors were more comfortable inviting their neighbors to church than going to other nations. But soon enough, trouble comes to their own neighborhoods because of the message they are preaching.
It can be hard to get outside of our own comfort zones. But if this global pandemic has taught us anything, it is to get comfortable with the uncomfortable. I am finding my own comfort being tested all the time. Like the Acts Church, God can use discomfort and suffering to nudge us outside our comfortable pathways. When the “normal” is no longer normal we become more aware that something is stirring. Hopefully, in these times we are on the lookout for God’s new path for us rather than simply developing new ruts.
Jesus warned his disciples over two thousand years ago that there would be wars and rumors of wars and that we should not be alarmed by such things. Division and suffering are reminders that this world is not eternal. These are the birth pains of something new to come. Something far greater than one can experience in this world. In the meantime, God has placed you in a specific time and place for a purpose. What is God’s purpose for you? What is God’s purpose for your community, the nation to which he has called you? Times of persecution and suffering might be needed opportunities to scatter certain communities who have grown too comfortable to see God’s gracious mercy at work around them.
The religious refugees who were scattered in the book of Acts changed the world for Christ. They went to people who spoke strange languages, had different skin tones and practiced odd traditions. God used this time of scattering and suffering to reach the whole world with the Good News of Lord Jesus. God transforms people, communities, and nations through those willing to walk new pathways according to His purposes.
God has placed a certain person or people group upon your heart today. What new pathways are available to reach them? Don’t wait for persecution or suffering to force you out of a comfortable life. Go willingly, according to the path God has placed before you. Difficult times will still come, but you will be in position to witness God’s transformative power at work in your own life and the lives of those He is calling you to reach.
Jonathan Sullivan is the pastor at First Baptist Church of Dimmitt, 1201 Western Circle Drive. This coming Sunday First Baptist will host a Fall Kickoff Block Party. Everyone is welcome to join in the fun beginning with an illusionist and live music at 10:30am with lunch and games to follow. Come celebrate with us!