“Some of them, however, men from Cyprus and Cyrene, went to Antioch and began to speak to Greeks also, telling them the good news about the Lord Jesus.” Acts 11:20.
Out of Stephen’s stoning arose a persecution, which caused many followers of Jesus to be scattered throughout Judea, Samaria, and beyond. God used this persecution to spread the story of Jesus, as these new followers travelled about. One particular group of men from the island of Cyprus and the North African city of Cyrene travelled to Antioch, in modern-day Syria, and began speaking about Jesus to the inhabitants. And the Lord’s hand was with them.
Here is another situation where God used the negative experiences for a positive result. It seems that these men from Cyprus and Cyrene could no longer stay in Jerusalem because of the threats against all of the followers of Jesus, so they took the story on the road. They could have complained about their situation, but instead, they went on their own missionary trip, excitedly sharing the good news about Jesus.
Often when negative experiences occur in my life, my initial reaction is to feel sorry for myself and have a pity party. More recently, I have been attempting to see these situations as opportunities instead of obstacles. Instead of being glum, I am trying to choose to be more excited about life and to share the good news of Jesus, no matter what the circumstances are.
Questions to consider: How do negative circumstances affect you? Have there been times when you were able to share the love of Jesus in the midst of rough circumstances? Do you remember any missed opportunities?
Prayer: Father, thank You for making good things happen in the midst of some of my bad experiences. Help me to see that interruptions in my life are opportunities instead of obstacles. Amen.
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