Storms Of Obedience

[After preaching the gospel, they returned,] 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 14:22

One of the unanswered questions in the book of Acts is why young John Mark deserted Paul and Barnabas on their first missionary journey (Acts 13:13). Could it have been because of their trials on the island of Cyprus? A sorcerer named Elymas tried to prevent Paul and Barnabas from preaching to the Roman official (Acts 13:8). Maybe John Mark wondered if their mission was truly in the will of God.

It’s natural to think that obedience leads to tranquillity. But just the opposite is often true: obedience to God can result in trials. Storms often come because we have been obedient, not disobedient. That was certainly true of those in the New Testament. The four Gospels and Acts recount that those who were wholly committed to fulfilling God’s calling encountered one attack and obstacle after another. Every follower of Jesus should get this matter settled up front: the deeper we go into the Kingdom of God, the more likely we are to meet with resistance.

If you are obeying God and are in a storm at the same time, you are following in the footsteps of the heroes of faith.

I find that doing the will of God leaves me with no time for disputing about His plans.

GEORGE MACDONALD