God always has a plan and no matter what happens God is at work. Romans 8:28 puts it in perspective- And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. Therefore, even when bad stuff happens, stuff that we don't understand, God is still at work. We read a few days ago about Stephen. His powerful testimony for the Lord and his relentless nature in standing for the Lord led to his death by stoning. It was a horrible tragedy of martyrdom. As a response to that, the church scattered. No longer did they stick close, they ran for cover like roaches when the light is flipped on. However, something happened every where they went.
Notice part of it in Acts 11: 19- Now those who were scattered because of the persecution that arose over Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia and Cyprus and Antioch, speaking the word to no one except Jews. (www.lifejournal.cc) Now in the beginning they were only sharing with the Jews. Their background or 'raising' taught them that all Jews had hope. Notice, however, as they scattered, they moved with praise and testimony upon their lips. They shared as they went. That set the course for the time when God spoke to Peter about the Gentiles and Peter spoke to Christians about his enlarging vision.
Everything changed. It was a paradigm shift. Whereas, they had only mingled with the Jews around Jerusalem, now they were scattered beyond those parts and reaching people beyond their comfort zone. God took the stoning of Stephen and used it to grow the spread of the Gospel to viral proportions. And for that, you and I should be eternally grateful...and sharing...even today...no matter where we scatter....or with whom we speak. Share Christ today!
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