Friday, October 28, 2011

Thoughtful Thursday



So I'm completely late with this, and I hope you can forgive me for that.  In my defense, (which makes this a poor apology) it was a super busy day yesterday and once it ended I was too tired (and achy) to do much.

But that all aside, here are my thoughtful thoughts for the week!  Hope you enjoy, as I, personally needed to hear them this week, particularly given my pain and mood level.


In Acts chapter 13, Paul and Barnabas make the decision to continue on their mission towards Antioch in Pisidia.  However, John Mark decides at this time to leave the mission and return to Jerusalem.  No reason is given in the scripture and later John Mark is rebuked by Paul for his "desertion". 

Many have speculated to the reason of John Mark's departure.  Was he homesick?  Did preaching to the Gentiles bother him? Was he afraid of the dangerous journey?

No matter the reason, we can learn something very important from his departure.  

Our work as Christians is sometimes difficult and is always going to meet opposition. 

Sometimes we are not prepared for the difficulties ahead, and our lights flicker...

but they don't go out!

We can mature in our faith with God's help.  And upon maturing, we can honor God's word by obeying it. Just as John Mark did later on...

But we must ask ourselves what our commitment level is in our faith?  Is it only comfort deep or do we truly trust in the Lord in all circumstances?

Because our confidence as Christians doesn't come from ourselves, 
but in God's ability to work through us.

...blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in him. - Jeremiah 17:7 

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