Title: Your Failures Are Not Final --- What Makes the Difference?
Text:
Acts 13:13 (HCSB)
Paul and his companions set sail from Paphos and came to Perga in Pamphylia. John, however, left them and went back to Jerusalem.
Acts 15:36-38 (HCSB)
36 After some time had passed, Paul said to Barnabas, "Let's go back and visit the brothers in every town where we have preached the message of the Lord and see how they're doing." 37 Barnabas wanted to take along John Mark. 38 But Paul did not think it appropriate to take along this man who had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not gone on with them to the work.
Observation:
I am so glad that there are people that God places in our lives to help us when we falter and fail. Where would men like Mark be if there was not a Barnabas? We all need encouragement, and the name Barnabas means son of encouragement.
The account of the disagreement between Paul and Barnabas is very instructive. It reminds us that you can disagree without being disagreeable. They did not quit on God. They regrouped, and went out in different directions for a season.
Acts 15:39-40 (HCSB)
39 There was such a sharp disagreement that they parted company, and Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed off to Cyprus. 40 Then Paul chose Silas and departed, after being commended to the grace of the Lord by the brothers.
This story has a happy ending; Mark and Paul were reunited. It's amazing how, when God is in it, that time can heal hurts and disappointments. God used Barnabas to encourage Mark, and Mark grew and matured. Later, Paul wrote this about Mark; which shows that one who was once a disappointment can later be useful.
Philemon 1:24 (HCSB)
Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke, my coworkers.
2 Timothy 4:11 (HCSB)
Only Luke is with me. Bring Mark with you, for he is useful to me in the ministry.
Prayer:
Father God, my dear Father, I thank You that You are the God of second chances. Lord, where would we be without Your abundant and sufficient grace in our lives. Father, help us to extend grace to others. In the mighty name of Jesus I pray, Amen.
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Matthew 4:4 (HCSB)
4 But He answered, "It is written: Man must not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of God."
Psalm 2:8 (HCSB)
8 Ask of Me, and I will make the nations Your inheritance and the ends of the earth Your possession.
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