A Different Definition of Success
From Attalia they sailed back to Antioch, where they had been committed to the grace of God for the work they had now completed. On arriving there, they gathered the church together and reported all that God had done through themand how he had opened a door of faith to the Gentiles. And they stayed there a long time with the disciples. Acts 14:26-28
Insight
When we journey into the unknown, facing adversity at every turn, it's easy to feel overwhelmed, lost in the chaos of uncertainty. But in Acts 14, we witness a remarkable tale of resilience and unwavering faith in the face of adversity.
Imagine being in their shoes, Paul and Barnabas, arriving in a new city, unsure of what awaited them. They didn't have Google Maps or Yelp reviews to guide them. All they had was their mission and their trust in something greater than themselves.
As they gathered the church together, their faces likely worn from the journey, they recounted the trials and triumphs of their mission. They didn't boast of their own strength or cunning strategies. Instead, they attributed all that had been accomplished to something beyond their comprehension: the work of God.
It's easy to overlook the significance of this passage, to simply see it as another chapter in the grand narrative of the early church. But if we pause and reflect, we can glean timeless truths about what makes a mission successful.
Mission success isn't measured by the absence of obstacles but by the presence of faith in the midst of them. Paul and Barnabas faced opposition at every turn, yet they pressed on, fueled by a faith that transcended their circumstances.
A successful mission isn't about achieving our agenda, but aligning ourselves with the agenda of something greater. Paul and Barnabas didn't set out to build their empire or leave a legacy in their own name. Their mission was rooted in a desire to spread a message of hope and love to all who would listen.
True success in mission isn't marked by instant gratification but by the willingness to endure and persevere. Paul and Barnabas didn't see immediate results from their efforts. It took time, patience, and unwavering commitment to see the fruits of their labor.
And perhaps most importantly, a successful mission is marked by humility and gratitude. Paul and Barnabas didn't take credit for the doors that were opened or the lives that were changed. Instead, they humbly acknowledged the hand of God at work in their midst, giving thanks for the opportunity to be a part of something so much bigger than themselves.
Let us face adversity with unwavering faith, aligning ourselves with something greater than our own ambitions. Let us endure with patience and perseverance, trusting that in due time, we will see the fruits of our labor. And above all, let us approach our missions with humility and gratitude, recognizing that it is not by our strength or wisdom that we succeed, but by the grace of something far greater.
Reflection
How can you cultivate unwavering faith and perseverance in the face of adversity?
In what ways can you align yourself with something greater than yourself, seeking to spread hope and love to those around you?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, amid my faith journey, grant me the strength to face adversity with unwavering faith, the wisdom to align myself with your greater purpose, and the humility to recognize your hand at work in my life. May I persevere with patience and gratitude, trusting in your timing and your plan for me. Amen.