Acts 14:19b-20a
They stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, supposing that he was dead. But when the disciples gathered around him, he got up and entered the city.
I love the times when the music on Spirit FM becomes a soundtrack for life. A few days ago I was reading this passage from Acts and the song, "Diamonds" from Hawk Nelson came on. As I read about Paul I listened,
I'll surrender to the power of being crushed by love
Till the beauty that was hidden isn't covered up
Oh it's not what I hoped for
It's something much better
And
Oh the joy of the Lord
It will be my strength
When the pressure is on
He's making diamonds
Sometimes when things get difficult, we want to escape. We don't want the pressure or the pain because we are afraid we won't survive or that it will just be too difficult. Surely, Paul was afraid and physically hurting. His persecutors thought he was dead, so they must have gotten him pretty good. But he rose up from the dirt, one step closer to holiness. He withstood the pressure instead of running away and look how brightly he shines for Christ now. Don't be afraid to walk a difficult path - with Jesus by your side, you'll come out shining too.
