Advancing in Trials & Testing

“From Miletus, Paul sent to Ephesus for the elders of the church. When they arrived, he said to them: “You know how I lived the whole time I was with you, from the first day I came into the province of Asia. I served the Lord with great humility and with tears and in the midst of severe testing by the plots of my Jewish opponents. You know that I have not hesitated to preach anything that would be helpful to you but have taught you publicly and from house to house. I have declared to both Jews and Greeks that they must turn to God in repentance and have faith in our Lord Jesus.” -Acts 20:17-21

Paul faced severe trials and significant tests because of the Jews that opposed him. Despite these obstacles, he was able to still make massive progress in building God’s Kingdom. Many people lose ground when the trials come, but there’s a way to advance in the trials and Paul seized those opportunities!

First, Paul said that from the moment he arrived in Asia he lived in a God-honoring way. He served with humility and passion. He kept His eyes on Jesus and lived with integrity. He said they knew how he lived and it was clear that he was living to please God. He did all of that despite the trails and testing he faced from his opposition.

When we face trials, there’s temptation to alleviate the pressure by giving ourselves a break from the high standards we would normally keep. Short cuts and greener grass seem more understandable and even deserved after all the difficulties. However, Paul said that despite the trials, he didn’t lose ground through his personal choices. Instead, he walked the path of God regardless of pain. Don’t lose ground when things are hard. Stand your ground and trust that your foundation is stronger than the hard things you’re going through in the moment.

Paul also continued to preach the Gospel publicly and privately in homes. He did not allow the opposition to cause him to cower into a corner. He chose to advance the mission no matter the cost. When you experience testing and trials, do you back down and take an extended break from the work or can you keep moving forward?

If you can only advance when gravity is on your side, you’ll never be able to reach the great mountaintops of ministry and life. Paul was able to live with integrity and continue the mission even through radical opposition. Spiritual maturity and strength are both grown and displayed in the trials and testing of life, so keep pressing on!

Right on?

Read/listen to Acts chapters 19-21

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