Now it happened in Iconium that they went together to the synagogue of the Jews, and so spoke that a great multitude both of the Jews and of the Greeks believed. But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles and poisoned their minds against the brethren.
Acts 14:1-2
Some people are relatively unfazed by undesirable circumstances. Then there are the many who, whenever something goes wrong, are ready to give up in defeat. This second group are the people this meditation is for!
When Paul and Barnabas’s missionary endeavors were producing fruit and many believed (v.1), they must have been greatly encouraged. But what about when opposition arose and resulted in people’s minds being “poisoned against the brethren” (v.2)?
As I said, some may have taken it in stride, knowing that life is made up of both the bitter and the sweet. But then there were others, who may not have taken the bitter so well. Let those who are easily discouraged be encouraged! While there was a momentary setback in the gospel ministry, here we are 2,000 years later and the Church of Jesus Christ still stands!
We do well not to “live and die” with each day, but to live in the long run, trusting Jesus to keep His promise to “build My Church,” against which the “gates of Hades shall not prevail.” (Matthew 16:18)
His kingdom cannot fail!