Resilience — Strength - Thursday
TODAY’S VERSE
Acts 4:19-20
But Peter and John answered them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge, for we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard.” (ESV)
When you see or hear the words street preaching, what immediately comes to mind? If you’re like me, it’s probably someone with their veins popping out of their neck and a death grip on a megaphone, yelling hellfire and brimstone at anyone passing by. However, I recently came across someone on social media who changed my perspective on what street preaching could (or should) look like.
This young man opens his Bible, reads a text, explains the text, prays, then takes questions from anyone in the audience. Sounds simple, but it’s not always that easy. Let me explain…
His context is much more hostile than ours here in America. I don’t mean people going “scorched earth” in the comments section. I don’t mean losing followers on social media platforms. And I don’t mean losing an invite to the next family function.
Despite his respectful demeanor, I’ve watched a few situations escalate where people cuss him out, spit on him, and even try to throw punches at him. And yet, he still keeps showing up (unless he’s asked to leave by local law enforcement). The question is: Why? Love requires risk. His love for God emboldens his love for his neighbors.
The courage and resilience that young man demonstrates parallels what Peter and John embody in Acts 4:13-22. Persecution is inevitable for followers of Jesus (John 15:18-19, John 16:33). But even in the face of pushback, resilient strength doesn’t back down.
Getting stronger requires resistance. This principle is true physically and spiritually. And you and I both know we don’t get stronger by showing up to a gym just one time or even a few times a year.
Tim Keller said it best: “Insensitive, harsh Christians will have persecution but no praise. Cowardly Christians will have praise but not persecution. Most Christians actually get neither! But Christians who are closest to Jesus will get both, as he did.”
Which brings two really invasive questions to the table: When was the last time you were challenged for your faith? How have you responded since? If our faith never costs us anything, is it really faith?
The bottom line is this: We’re in proximity to people who don’t know Jesus almost every single day. You don’t need to be a street preacher or have a seminary degree to share the gospel with them. People just need to recognize that you know Jesus. And when they do, be prepared for their response — for better or worse.
Keep showing up, and keep speaking up. It’s worth the risk.
APPLICATION
Look for an opportunity to ask someone their name, their story, and if they have a faith. Ask if you can pray with them after the conversation.
PRAYER
God, I want to be steadfast and immovable, always abounding in Your work. I know that my labor is not in vain, but some days I feel really discouraged. I need Your courage to keep showing up, to keep speaking up, and to make the most of every opportunity. In Jesus’ name… Amen.