Hosanna Restoration Church

Aren’t you glad that the Lord never changes? Everything and everyone else might be inconsistent at times, but God is always faithful and true. I encourage you to read the 14th chapter of Acts and observe the wild ride that Paul and Barnabas took because of changing circumstances and people. No matter how good or how bad it got God never changed.

First we are told that they preached with such power that many turned from the darkness to God and became believers. But of course, the ones who spurned the truth were busy trying to get others back to their side. I wonder why it is that those who spurn are often more influential that those who love God. Have you ever noticed how the doubters will often have you feeling like you have to either defend God or agree with them? Well, God had an answer for that. He told them to keep preaching, and as they did God gave them great power to do miraculous signs and wonders. Still the people were divided, and of course the doubters were the ones who took the most action. They were going to stone them, but the disciples found out so they left and went somewhere else with the good news. What a deal, you do miracles and they want to stone you.

Next we find them preaching to a crowd and a lame man is healed. Suddenly the change is an attempt to elevate them to the status of the gods. Now they had to run and explain that they were not gods but were there to break them free from those worthless little gods and reveal to them the one true God. That went pretty well, until some of the nasty doubters showed up and managed to turn a crowd of people who were just about to worship Paul and Barnabas into a mob that stoned them and left Paul for dead. Talk about a bunch of up and downs, and wishy-washy believers! So once again we see lots of changes, and once again we see that God changes not. He raises Paul up and back into the city they go preaching the message that sets men free. After they strengthened the believers there and explained that they should not let tribulations distract them from what the kingdom holds for them, they went right back through the very places where the trouble makers lived and preached the same great message once again.

Finally after a few more stops, they returned to home base and told all that the Lord had done. Let’s face it; things around us will always be changing. There will always be things the enemy tries to use to knock us off track or discourage us. Just remember, God does not change! No matter what the enemy tried to use to stop Paul and Barnabas, God has something greater. The key to remaining steadfast is keeping our eyes on the one who is always steadfast and true. This is the victory that overcomes the world (and all changes), our faith in the faithfulness of God.