January 8, 2009 - Acts 8:1

“And Saul was there, giving approval to his death…. On that day a great persecution broke out against the church at Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria.” Acts 8:1.
Saul, who was a zealous Pharisee, was at Stephen’s execution, giving leadership to the stoning. With this beginning, he built a case, just as any good lawyer would, that enabled him to begin arresting men and women who were followers of Jesus. It was on the day of Stephen’s execution that the first persecution of the church of Jesus began, and the believers in Jesus began to be scattered throughout Judea and even Samaria.
God used this persecution in the life of the church. The followers of Jesus were not going out to Judea and Samaria, as Jesus commanded them to do in Acts 1:8, and God had to use something to get them going. This was not the best way to get their attention, but it was a useful tool, and it motivated these people to get going, even if they were seeking a way to preserve their lives. So, in this way, these early followers of Jesus started to leave Jerusalem for the regions around Judea and Samaria, spreading the word concerning Jesus as they went.
Questions to consider: What negative experience has happened in your life that God has used for His purposes? Have you had negative experiences happen that you did not see God’s hand? Are you able to take a look at those experiences to see if and how God was involved, trying to steer you? How is God using our current economic situation to guide you?
Prayer: Father, help me to have the eyes to see Your activity in my life, using negative experiences to look to You more. Give me the courage to follow You where You are leading. Amen.