Then Jews from Antioch and Iconium came there; and having persuaded the multitudes, they stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, supposing him to be dead. However, when the disciples gathered around him, he rose up and went into the city. And the next day he departed with Barnabas to Derbe.
Acts 14:19-20
Remember the Energizer Bunny? He just kept on going.
Paul and Barnabas & Company faced the most bitter opposition—even being stoned and left for dead. But they were not dead. And when they arose, they just kept on going!
You and I have not, and I pray we will never be, faced with martyrdom for the sake of Christ. But regardless of the kinds or trials we may face, or how severe they may be, I pray that we will keep on going. We are not done serving the Lord in this life until we are glorified in His presence. Until then, may the Lord grant us the vision, desire, and strength to continue worshiping, serving, and proclaiming Christ. May we love our neighbors as we love ourselves (Mark 12:31), and may we love our brothers and sisters in Christ as Christ has loved us (John 13:34).
No matter what may befall us, may we go, figuratively, “to the next city,” even as Paul and Barnabas, went literally.