Getting Back Up: The Power of Perseverance

The Power of Perseverance

19 "Then some Jews came from Antioch and Iconium and won the crowd over. They stoned Paul and dragged him outside the city, thinking he was dead.

20 But after the disciples had gathered around him, he got up and went back into the city. The next day he and Barnabas left for Derbe."

The opinions of people are notoriously unstable. One moment, the crowd in Lystra was trying to offer sacrifices to Paul and Barnabas; the next moment, they were throwing stones at them. If you build your confidence on public approval, you will constantly be tossed around by the opinions of others.

What stands out most in Acts 14 is Paul's response after being stoned. He didn't pack his bags and quit the ministry. He didn't hold a pity party. When the disciples gathered around him in prayer, he stood right back up and walked straight back into the very city where he was hurt before leaving for Derbe the next day.

We all face emotional, spiritual, or circumstantial "stones" in life. But setbacks are not final unless you choose to stay down. With God’s Spirit inside you, you have the grace to dust yourself off, stand up, and keep fulfilling your purpose.

Short on time? Take this topic on the road with the audio version called:

Scars, Stones and Staying Power

Sister Glenda Coker @

www.vitalhope.co

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