“Now those who were scattered after the persecution that arose over Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch” (Acts 11:19 NKJV).

THE PERSECUTION THAT RESULTED IN PROLIFERATION

Jesus had instructed His disciples that they were to be His witnesses to the “end of the earth” (Acts 1:8), yet it wasn’t until after the persecution in Jerusalem that they truly began to fulfill His call. As they scattered throughout the Roman world, great numbers of people turned to the Lord, especially among the Gentiles. Persecution had actually resulted in proliferation. The gospel went out across the world!
 
Are you going through a season of trouble? Perhaps the Lord is moving you out of your comfort zone to a place where the gospel can spread. Sometimes the Lord shakes our tree, in order to scatter the gospel seed to those whose heart’s soil He has prepared to receive.
 
PRAYER: Dear Father, when trouble shakes us up, help us to continue sharing the gospel. For we may not know how You are at work in our times, but we do know that You are always at work. Help us to join You in Your work. In Jesus’ name, amen.