"When the uproar had ended, Paul sent for the disciples and, after encouraging them, said goodbye and set out for Macedonia." - Acts 20: 1 (NIV)
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Encourage others
In this passage we read several times how Apostle Paul encouraged his disciples and other people even during his difficult and challenged ministries. We also can read in Acts 16, where Paul and Silas prayed and sang praises unto God in the prison where all the prisoners could hear them.
I learn how Paul lived above any circumstances and glorified God with his acts and words. Every body is going through their own problems, hardships, and trials. Sometimes we don't have time to consider the bright side of the issue, let alone spare time encouraging other people.
Apostle Peter said, "Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you." (1Peter 5:7). However we, human beings, we tend to rely on ourselves more than God. We set the Word of God aside as we think it will be too long to manifest so we'd better do it our ways. Until things get worse and then we shout, "God help me!"
God says, "Cursed is the one who trusts in man, who draws strength from mere flesh and whose heart turns away from the Lord." Because the end of this effort is failure and sufferings. Compare it to the ones who trust in the Lord and their confidence in Him. They will never cease to bear fruit even in a year of drought. (Jeremiah 17:5-8).
I believe the trust that Apostle Paul had for God was so ultimate. It enabled him to encourage others even when he was facing challenges and threats.
Let's learn from Paul and be confident in the love of the Lord. It will calm us and shift our focus from ourselves to other people so we are able to encourage others and glorify God as Paul did.
Reflection on Acts 20: 1-6 by Desire Litaay
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