"A great wave of persecution began that day, sweeping over the church in Jerusalem; and all the believers except the apostles were scattered through the regions of Judea and Samaria. Acts 8:1
A Bible verse that many of us cling to is Romans 8:28. The verse says, “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.” It is truly an incredible verse. What many of us do not think about is that this verse does not just apply to the good things that happen in life. It refers to the trials and hard times that we face, too. This verse’s great promise and comfort are that God can work through the most difficult, hard trials and bring good out of them. The believers in Acts 8 experienced this truth first-hand.
Acts chapter 7 recounts a tumultuous time for followers of Christ. They had just seen a man named Stephen killed for preaching about Jesus. After this, “a great wave of persecution began that day” (verse 1). This was not a good time for the believers, and there must have been a lot of fear. But there was also a lot of courage and boldness among believers. As a result of this persecution, the believers “were scattered through the regions of Judea and Samaria” (verse 1). When they were scattered, the believers who were scattered could have stayed silent about their faith. Instead, they practiced great bravery. “The believers who were scattered preached the Good News about Jesus wherever they went” (verse 4). This scattering is how God used this tough and frightening situation for good. Christ’s message was spread as a result of the believers being scattered. God will bring good out of any situation, even times of persecution.
Regardless of your circumstances, the promise in Romans 8:28 is true for you: God will make everything work together for good. It may take time to be visible. You may not see the big picture. But you can be sure that God is working everything out for your good and His glory.
Write out Romans 8:28 in your journal, a notebook, or even a blank sheet of paper. As you write out the words in this verse, reflect on the truth that God works everything, and I mean everything, for good, even our trials and storms. After you finish writing this verse, pray. Thank God that He can take the worst circumstances and bring good out of them.
Acts 8:1-4 (NLT)
"Saul was one of the witnesses, and he agreed completely with the killing of Stephen.
A great wave of persecution began that day, sweeping over the church in Jerusalem; and all the believers except the apostles were scattered through the regions of Judea and Samaria. 2 (Some devout men came and buried Stephen with great mourning.) 3 But Saul was going everywhere to destroy the church. He went from house to house, dragging out both men and women to throw them into prison.
4 But the believers who were scattered preached the Good News about Jesus wherever they went."
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