How does Acts 14:25 encourage us to trust God's plan during our missions? “After preaching the word in Perga, they went down to Attalia.” Tracing Paul and Barnabas’ Footsteps - Perga was the port city where John Mark had earlier departed (Acts 13:13). Returning there, Paul and Barnabas “preached the word” instead of dwelling on past disappointments. - Attalia was a smaller seaport ten miles south-west of Perga. From there they would sail home to Antioch, closing their first missionary journey. - This single verse quietly marks the end of months of hardship—stonings (Acts 14:19), opposition (14:2), and miracles (14:10)—yet Luke records it in a calm, matter-of-fact way. How the Verse Builds Trust in God’s Plan - God’s plan is often revealed step-by-step. Perga, then Attalia, then Antioch—ordinary movements guided by an extraordinary God (Romans 8:28). - Faithfulness, not fanfare, pleases the Lord. A simple line like “they went down to Attalia” reminds us that obeying the next directive is enough (Luke 16:10). - Past setbacks don’t cancel future usefulness. Returning to Perga where Mark had failed highlights forgiveness and fresh opportunity (Colossians 4:10). - The journey’s quiet moments are as God-ordained as its dramatic episodes (Psalm 37:23). - Each completed leg prepares the way for the next assignment. Closing this trip positioned Paul for the Jerusalem Council and his second journey (Acts 15:1–2, 36). Practical Takeaways for Modern Missions - Trust God with the itinerary. You may preach in one city today and simply transit through another tomorrow; both stops are divine appointments. - Stay faithful in the routine tasks—booking tickets, packing supplies, filing reports. “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart” (Colossians 3:23). - Revisit places marked by difficulty. God often redeems previous pain for future ministry impact. - Celebrate small completions. Every concluded segment is evidence that the Lord “who began a good work in you will perfect it” (Philippians 1:6). - Let peace, not outcomes, confirm direction. “Commit your way to the LORD; trust in Him, and He will do it” (Psalm 37:5). Encouragement for Today When our mission path seems ordinary, Acts 14:25 quietly assures us that faithful obedience—city by city, task by task—is precisely how God weaves His larger purpose. |
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