Acts 5:38-42
“And now I say unto you, Refrain from these men, and let them alone: for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to nought: But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God. And to him they agreed: and when they had called the apostles, and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name. And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.”

    Sometimes we may be tempted to ask why, as God’s people, must we live in such a time as this? This world seems to be in perilous times. There is hatred and wickedness everywhere. People are being attacked based on race, religion, even their choice of occupation. There are people who threaten our safety and peace daily. We may be tempted to wonder why we must suffer through these trying times. But, consider the apostles here in Acts 5. They were called before the council for preaching Jesus. They were beaten and punished. After which, they did not ask, “why us?”, instead, they rejoiced!! They were thankful that God had considered them worthy to face affliction for His name! This world needs to know Jesus, He is the only hope. You are a believer in Jesus! You are a believer in the only hope this world has! You are the one God has chosen to preach Jesus to the world at this time. God has considered you worthy to bear the name of Christ, REJOICE! Press on, preach Jesus boldly and with confidence. When faced with affliction, remember that if it is of God it will not be overthrown. “It is a privilege that God has called you to be a christian at this time, in the midst of this wickedness.” – Bro. Tim Smith
– Sister Hillary Boyd