“The church then had peace throughout Judea, Galilee, and Samaria, and it became stronger as the believers lived in the fear of the Lord. And with the encouragement of the Holy Spirit, it also grew in numbers” (Acts 9:31 NLT).

A SEASON OF PEACE, STRENGTH, AND GROWTH FOR THE CHURCH

Previously, a “great wave of persecution” (Acts 8:1) had swept through the church at Jerusalem. It began with the stoning of Stephen and continued until the believers were scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria. Yet, following this season of persecution, there came a time of peace. Even the great persecutor of the church, Saul, had become a believer after his encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus. Instead of eliminating or weakening the church, it had grown bigger and stronger after the season of persecution.

What will it take for the church in America to see a season of peace, strength, and growth? All the current prognosticators describe the American church as being in a state of turmoil, weakness and decline. What is the future of the church in America? What would it take to see a season like Acts 9:31 in today’s church?

Looking closely at this story from the first century church, it seems to me that it was the Lord who brought both the season of persecution and the season of peace upon the church. He is the Gardener, Jesus is the Vine, and we are the branches. The Father both prunes and brings forth fruit as He wills.

What is our part? Well, the only description of the believers’ activity in this verse is that they “lived in the fear of the Lord.” In other words, they revered Him above all others. It was in this season of giving the Lord their first love and priority, that the Lord gave the church peace, strength and growth.

Ultimately, the Lord is the one who determines the health of the church. Therefore, let us pray for revival, for peace, for strength and for growth. And let us live in the fear of the Lord as we pray, knowing that He determines all things as He wills.

PRAYER: Dear Father, we pray for the church in our city, in our state, in our country, and in our world. Lord, bring revival. We humble ourselves this day in fear and dependence on You alone. All things in our world seem to be getting worse. Evil is on the rise. Yet, we trust in You. Revive us. Grant us the encouragement of the Holy Spirit as You did the early church. In Jesus’ name, amen.