SCRIPTURE: Acts (NIV) 19:8 Paul entered the synagogue [in Ephesus] 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 Bible chapters in a short time and get the idea that everything happened quickly, even 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!
Much of the growth of the church in the book of Acts happened around the miracles that accompanied Paul’s ministry. But here we read of the Holy Spirit using Paul’s faithful daily ministry. Surely some days it seemed nothing notable happened, but the kingdom was growing and spreading!
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. I am so glad I did not stop writing and posting SOAPs after just one or two years. Second, I must be faithful to continue what God has given me to do. After fifteen years of trusting God for a daily SOAP, God has spread them in many countries.
Pastor, do not give up or quit too soon. You may not have the church building you have always wanted but use what is available to you. Your goal is not a building of wood and metal and stone; but an eternal building in heaven!!!
PRAYER: Lord, patience and faithfulness are of great value to you. You use them as foundations of ministries that guide people into the eternal home you have prepared for them. Amen
Pastor Leon
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