But Jews came from Antioch and Iconium, and having won over the crowds, they stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, thinking that he was dead. But while the disciples stood around him, he got up and entered the city. The next day he left with Barnabas for Derbe.
Sometimes a job is just a job. When that’s your perspective, you’re not likely to endure much difficulty before leaving that job altogether. Other times, though, a job is a calling. When that is your perspective, you find yourself willing to endure problems, sacrifice comforts, and work to create solutions when obstacles come your way.
Clearly, the latter was the perspective of Paul and Barnabas in Acts 14. Under the leadership of the Holy Spirit, the church sent them out as missionaries. Their friends fully supported the work they set out to do. It didn’t take long, though, for that work to get tested. What we read in Acts 14 was no minor issue that might cause a passing question of doubt—it was a full assault that could have rocked their perspective of calling to the core.
Yet after being dragged out of the city by murderous people who thought he was as good as dead, Paul got up and got back to work. So did Barnabas. They didn’t quit. They left those who were hostile to the message of Jesus and took that same message to others. That’s because the job wasn’t just a job—it was a high and holy calling.
Sharing the gospel and strengthening and encouraging the church always is. And that calling will always involve both faith and risk.
- In terms of your relationship with the Lord and His church, what do you consider a “job” you must do? What do you consider as a calling? Why does it matter?
- Who “stands around” you to encourage you to live out your calling? How do they do that?
- Thank God for the believers who stand around you to lift you up as you seek to live out God’s calling on your life. Invite Him to show you how you might face challenges of that calling with courageous faith.
