|  | | April 13 | | | | | And there came thither certain Jews from Antioch and Iconium who persuaded the people, and having stoned Paul, drew him out of the city, supposing he had been dead. Howbeit, as the disciples stood round about him, he rose up ... | | | | Acts 14:19-20 | | | | These disciples were risking their own lives by standing around Paul’s corpse. What were they doing?
Were they praying?
Was Dr. Luke trying to revive him?
Were they crying?
Were they having a memorial service?
The Bible doesn’t say. It just says they were there.
My mom, who lives in Southern California and who’s been a widow for just about a month, told me her days have been very, very challenging. Yesterday, following an earthquake, she told me she felt helpless as the house and pool were rocking and rolling. When it was over, she went outside and started walking around her neighborhood, looking for someone to talk to. Since no one was outside, she went back to her house, only to feel a second quake. Just then, she said, the phone rang and on the other end was a sister from the Fellowship saying, ‘Mary, I know you know God’s promises, so you don’t need a sermon. I just want to talk with you. No sermon, no promises — just talk.’ My mom was deeply touched and greatly encouraged.
We all have experienced times when we have felt wiped out, finished, dead. And then some precious people gathered around us and we felt our hearts resurrected, our spirits revived. You can’t stand with everyone who’s down, but there are those whom the Lord will lead you to stand by, hang out with, and be there for — be it in person, over the phone, or through a letter. Be sensitive to the Lord’s leading in this oh, so important avenue of ministry. |
|
|
