Will You Return?

 

And when they had preached the gospel to that city and made many disciples, they returned to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch,

Acts 14:21

I've been reading through Acts and this morning this verse really challenged me. I know what you're thinking... this verse?? 

Now if you haven't been reading through Acts lately I'll give you a little back story. 

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Then Jews from Antioch and Iconium came there [Lystra]; and having persuaded the multitudes, they stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, supposing him to be dead.

However, when the disciples gathered around him, he rose up and went into the city. And the next day he departed with Barnabas to Derbe.

Acts 14:19-21

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Now I don't know how long Paul and Barnabas were in Derbe but who in their right mind would want to return to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch?!? Those are the people who hunted you down and tried to kill you! But what did Paul do there? 

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they returned to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch, strengthening the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith, and saying, “We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God.”

Acts 14:21-22

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When I was young I wanted to pour myself out as Christ had poured Himself out for me, serving others, being His hands and feet, loving Him in the least of these! Since that time I have had the honor of doing that. It has been a rich and beautiful experience, dying so that others might live. But it has not been without deep hurt or tribulation. Some situations have left me painfully broken and grieving.

Why did Paul go back? The answer is simple, there was still work to be done. 

According to the Bible's account it does not seem that Paul had any trouble going back to those cities, but I'll admit that sometimes it's hard for me to go back; to face a situation that might seem very similar to one that hurt me in the past. 

But what else do we see in Paul's return? His experience in those cities was different the second time around. It doesn't say anyone hunted him down or stoned him to the point of death. No it says:

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So when they had appointed elders in every church, and prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord in whom they had believed.

Acts 14:23

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They completed their work there and moved on to another city. So, the question is not, am I eager to go back? The question is, am I willing? 

Dear Father, I thank You that You are merciful with us and our wounded hearts. But despite any reservation or fear we may feel in returning, may you empower us to be willing. And may we be able to complete the work You began through the power of Your Spirit.
In Jesus Christ' name, amen.