You don’t have to read very far into the book of Acts to learn how treacherous were the journeys taken by the early Christians, especially the Apostle Paul. Travel in the ancient Mediterranean was challenging in ways we can’t even grasp today. When they weren’t traveling by boat, they were on foot, with the danger of robbers at every pass.
Would we be willing today to take such physical journeys for the sake of the gospel?
As I pondered this question, it led to another. What about emotional journeys?
I’m talking about journeys of the heart: forgiveness, repentance, honoring others, loving our enemies, confronting someone with truth.
These journeys of the heart are perhaps more treacherous than the physical landscape traversed in the book of Acts.
Discomfort? Inconvenience? Pain?
Possibly all of these await us around every bend in the road of our hearts.
Yet as followers of Christ, we are asked to take those journeys, regardless of how uncomfortable we might feel along the way.
I would encourage you today to spend some time reading in Acts. Follow Paul on his travels, as he carries the gospel to the Gentiles through hostile territory. Read about the persecution of the early church in Jerusalem. Perhaps listen in, as Paul’s friends warn him not to go to Jerusalem, where he will be arrested.
Then ask yourself, prayerfully: Are you willing to journey, in the same way as Paul, through the deepest roads of your heart? No matter where God takes you?
Dear God, please help us today to trust in You. When You call us to search the deepest parts of our hearts, to live out Your love in ways that might be uncomfortable for us, remind us You travel right by our side. When we pass through the deepest waters, You will be there. We can trust You. In Jesus’ name. Amen
Adventures with God 