RESPITE TO REFUEL AND REFINE
Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee, and Samaria experienced a time of peaceG1515.
It grew in strength and numbers, living in the fear of the Lord
and the encouragement of the Holy Spirit.
Acts 9:31
The author of Acts, Luke, had given a brief account of Saul’s conversion in the beginning of Acts chapter nine. The word translated “Then” in this translation and “So” in others can also mean “Meanwhile.” In other words, Luke is transitioning from the saga of Saul to what had been happening in the church at this time. The church was flourishing during a period of rest. They were using the break from constant persecution to grow in their knowledge and relationship with the Lord as well as in numbers of members. We have included notes from Warren Wiersbe and John MacArthur regarding this time of peace for the churches:
9:31 It was a time of “peace” for the churches, but not a time of complacency, for they grew both spiritually and numerically. They seized the opportunity to repair and strengthen their sails before the next storm began to blow! (55)
9:31 the churches . . . had peace and were edified. Paul’s conversion and political changes contributed to the rest. A stricter Roman governor and the expansion of Herod Agrippa’s authority restricted the persecution. (56)
When we have come through a tumultuous time of trial and testing, and we are enjoying a break from the battles, it is tempting to fall back and just give in to lethargy. The period of peace needs to be used to its fullest to build ourselves up in the Lord. It is a time of preparation for the next storm or battle that is certain to come. During times of relative calm, we need to use our time wisely to study Scripture, take time for praise and worship of the God who brought us through the turmoil, make efforts to build relationships within the community of faith, and pray for the strength to be victorious when new problems arise. We cannot wait until we are drowning to learn how to swim! We must become stronger disciples in preparation for future battles. Soldiers go through boot camp but also training exercises during times of peace. The army does not just lie around on their cots until the next battle. We must remain prepared for spiritual warfare. When we are receiving respite from our own struggles, we also have the opportunity and the energy to serve the Lord by serving others. We are to mimic our Lord on this earth:
Matthew 20:28 (NLT) For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.
Are you up against a struggle right now? Use what you know of the Lord to give you strength. Look up Scripture. Pray. Seek out other believers to come alongside you. Are you in a time of peace? Strengthen yourself as a disciple of Christ by studying and internalizing His word, praying, fellowshipping, and worshipping. Be sure you are well-trained before the next battle comes your way.
Father, in our times of respite, make us stronger. Help us to use the time wisely to deepen our relationship with You and our knowledge of Your word which is our sword!
Worship with The Collingsworth Family singing “Praise the Lord”: