February 12, 2016:  SOAP #2262:   

Scripture:  Acts (NIV) 19:1 While Apollos was at Corinth, Paul took the road through the interior and arrived at Ephesus. There he found some disciples … 8 Paul entered the synagogue and spoke boldly there for three months, arguing persuasively about the kingdom of God. 9 But some of them became obstinate; they refused to believe and publicly maligned the Way. So Paul left them. He took the disciples with him and had discussions daily in the lecture hall of Tyrannus. 10 This went on for two years, so that all the Jews and Greeks who lived in the province of Asia heard the word of the Lord.

Observation:   One can read many chapters in a short time and get the idea that everything happened quickly, back to back.  The passage above shows a time of three months of preaching in the synagogue and then a time of two years of holding daily discussions in a lecture hall.  During this two-year period, everyone who lived in the province of Asia heard the word of the Lord!

Application:   Some of the things God is doing in my life take time.  First, I must be patient and not get in a hurry to move on.  Surely there were days in those two years when Paul did not see any results but during that time everyone in that province heard about Jesus!  Second, I must be faithful to continue what God has given me to do.

Prayer:   Lord, patience and faithfulness are of great value to you.  May they both be foundation rocks of my character.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!