You’re That Important

“When they had preached the gospel to that city and had made many disciples, they returned to Lystra and to Iconium and to Antioch, strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying that through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God.” - Acts 14:21-22 
 
Over the last few days, we have looked at an instance in Acts 14 in which Paul returns to Lystra. This is significant because this was the place Paul was stoned. Now, if you haven’t been following along with us, you might be wondering, “Why would Paul return to the place he was stoned?”

I want you to see that while Paul went back to find healing for himself, there was another reason. Yes, he went back to give himself a disconfirming experience. He needed to prove to himself that the weapons formed against him would not prevail. But he also needed to provide a disconfirming belief for those who witnessed what he went through as well.
 
As we stated yesterday, this was not just for the people who witnessed this story in person, but for those of us who read about it to this day. There must be some significance to this story if it is recorded by the scribes.

Just as God wanted His people who witnessed Paul’s stoning to see him then, He wants us to understand it now. We might have seen something that has led us to want to “throw in the towel” on following God. Yet here you are reading this today. It is no accident. It is no coincidence. You are that important.  

God wants you to read this story and understand that what was formed against Paul would not reign victorious. It would not overcome him. And the same is true for you.
 
Whatever is formed against you now will not stand victorious. God will lead you through it. Why is He telling you this? Because you are that important to Him. God has a special plan and purpose for your life.

If you weren’t important, the devil wouldn’t be trying so hard to sabotage your life. But He is because He knows what God wants to do in and through you. Don’t let Satan win. You are THAT IMPORTANT to God, and He wants to use you in a mighty way!

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