Success and Struggle

“They seized Peter and John and, because it was evening, they put them in jail until the next day. But many who heard the message believed; so the number of men who believed grew to about five thousand.

’Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.’ When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.” -Acts 4:3-4, 12-13

Success and struggle come as a package deal in life and ministry. Peter and John were seeing great success as the mission moved forward in many lives, but they were being attacked personally! Jesus also faced many obstacles and hardships even though His leadership and teaching were flawless. When you are seeing progress in Kingdom work, don’t be caught unprepared for the eventual setbacks and struggles.

Peter and John responded by clarifying their purpose with courage (vv.12-13)! Empowered by the Spirit with great boldness, they declared that Jesus is the way and there is no other way. He’s not one of many options or just a good option, He’s the only option for salvation. They knew exactly Who they were serving and why it mattered! When you experience pain while making progress, refocus your vision on Jesus! He maintained His clarity all the way to the cross, finished His mission, then sat down at the right hand of the Father (Hebrews 1:3). Our temptation in struggles is to sit down before we complete the mission. When the difficulties rise, our faith in Christ and our determination to advance His cause must also increase!

Peter and John were ordinary men who were unschooled (v.13). They were unqualified compared to the Jewish leaders they stood before. You may feel very average and unprepared at times, but you must abandon your excuses and move forward! Peter and John were transformed from ordinary to extraordinary because of their time with Jesus (v.13)!

Where does our courage come from? Where does our vision get sharpened? Where do we grow the resolve and determination to press on through the struggles? Where do we surrender all our successes? Our power comes from the presence of God! In success or struggle... and often both at the same time, never abandon your pursuit of time with Jesus!

Right on?

Read/listen to Acts chapters 4-6

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