Thursday, October 6 – Acts 11:25-26a

And he left for Tarsus to look for Saul; and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. And for an entire year they met with the church and taught considerable numbers of people.

When was the last time you were on fire in your faith? How did you act? Who did you share with? How long has it been since that time? At this moment in the church of Antioch, growth was infectious—not only in numbers but also in their faith as they learned together. As Barnabas encouraged and taught, he brought Saul to join him. This season was a full year of growth, teaching, and devotion to the Lord.

This passage should be an encouragement for our daily lives. So often we think we need a getaway, a great sermon, or an emotional worship service to grow in our faith. While these things can give us space to grow, they are not the only places where growth can happen. We can grow in our faith throughout the seasons of life like the church of Antioch. We do this is by prioritizing times of gathering with other followers of Christ, coming prepared to receive the Word, and taking time to dive deeper in personal Bible study. This is always worth the investment because it is an eternal investment. Growing in our faith is not a chore that has to get done but an opportunity to be received with joy. We do this by remembering the encouragement of Barnabas to resolutely remain true to the Lord (Acts 11:24).

• Make a list of your current priorities. How important is it for you to grow in your faith?
• What are some things that distract you from investing in your walk with Christ?
• Pray and repent for the times you have not made growing in your faith a priority.