Friday, August 5 – Acts 9:31

So the church throughout Judea, Galilee, and Samaria enjoyed peace, as it was being built up; and as it continued in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, it kept increasing.

Have you ever experienced a moment when you were able to laugh or feel at peace even when the circumstances in your life were overwhelming? Those moments are rare but therapeutic when everything around us feels chaotic. At this point, the early church was still actively facing persecution. That kind of pressure often leads to anxiety and fear but for this time, the church was at peace and Luke recorded why. They enjoyed peace as they were being built up and as they continued to fear the Lord and find comfort in the Holy Spirit. Because they were secure in God and were built up in Him, they were able to not only maintain the status quo amid persecution but to grow and thrive also.

This account of the early church reminds us we do not need the approval of others to strive in our faith as a church. Regardless of the circumstances, when we abide in Christ, we are seen by God, equipped for the mission, and comforted by His presence. When we feel like others are against us, we can cling to these things and the hope God has given us, knowing that in Him we have more than enough for peace and unity with one another.

• What does it look like to be built up in the faith?
• How does this keep us anchored when the circumstances around us feel chaotic?
• Pray and ask God to anchor you and believers all over the world in who He is no matter the circumstances.