Mon., 7/22/13 Devotion (Acts 9:31)

Today's encouragement comes from Acts 9:31, which says this:

"Then the churches throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria had peace and were edified. And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, they were multiplied."

This blessed state (described above) came directly on the heels of the Apostle Paul's conversion, and his being accepted by the church. These sweet conditions are usually temporary. Indeed, in just two chapters, we see the church once again having to deal with persecu-tion. But, when we *are* given lovely seasons of rest and comfort, we had best take advantage of them.

And just *why* do we need them? So as to be able to *prepare* our-selves for the hardships, challenges, and struggles to come. Only a fool imagines that everything will always be fine, and trouble-free. The wise Christian uses his or her respites to build strength for the future.

[Puritan quote of the day: "None are damned in the church but those who are determined to be . . . " --Richard Sibbes, in, "The Bruised Reed"]