When Nothing Seems to Work

Intro to Story

Ministry at Iconium

Acts 14:1–3 KJV 1900

1 And it came to pass in Iconium, that they went both together into the synagogue of the Jews, and so spake, that a great multitude both of the Jews and also of the Greeks believed. 2 But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles, and made their minds evil affected against the brethren. 3 Long time therefore abode they speaking boldly in the Lord, which gave testimony unto the word of his grace, and granted signs and wonders to be done by their hands.

Things are happening! People being saved, God is doing a wonderful work!

A great future is ahead of this place, a great church could be planted!

But this was not to be!

Acts 14:4–6 KJV 1900

4 But the multitude of the city was divided: and part held with the Jews, and part with the apostles. 5 And when there was an assault made both of the Gentiles, and also of the Jews with their rulers, to use them despitefully, and to stone them, 6 They were ware of it, and fled unto Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and unto the region that lieth round about:

Paul and Barnabas find themselves robbed of yet another ministry, this marks three cities they have faced great difficulty in ministering. Paul and Barnabas probably are tempted to think that this is not working and they may have made a mistake to set out on this journey.

But they do what they have done this entire time, they go on.

On to Lystra

Acts 14:6–18 KJV 1900

6 They were ware of it, and fled unto Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and unto the region that lieth round about: 7 And there they preached the gospel. 8 And there sat a certain man at Lystra, impotent in his feet, being a cripple from his mother’s womb, who never had walked: 9 The same heard Paul speak: who stedfastly beholding him, and perceiving that he had faith to be healed, 10 Said with a loud voice, Stand upright on thy feet. And he leaped and walked. 11 And when the people saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their voices, saying in the speech of Lycaonia, The gods are come down to us in the likeness of men. 12 And they called Barnabas, Jupiter; and Paul, Mercurius, because he was the chief speaker. 13 Then the priest of Jupiter, which was before their city, brought oxen and garlands unto the gates, and would have done sacrifice with the people. 14 Which when the apostles, Barnabas and Paul, heard of, they rent their clothes, and ran in among the people, crying out, 15 And saying, Sirs, why do ye these things? We also are men of like passions with you, and preach unto you that ye should turn from these vanities unto the living God, which made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all things that are therein: 16 Who in times past suffered all nations to walk in their own ways. 17 Nevertheless he left not himself without witness, in that he did good, and gave us rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness. 18 And with these sayings scarce restrained they the people, that they had not done sacrifice unto them.

These people are a little overzealous sure! But they took the word of Barnabas and Paul as the truth! They were ready now to hear the Gospel! They were prepared to begin a great work here!

But guess what, this was not to be!

Acts 14:19–20 KJV 1900

19 And there came thither certain Jews from Antioch and Iconium, who persuaded the people, and, having stoned Paul, drew him out of the city, supposing he had been dead. 20 Howbeit, as the disciples stood round about him, he rose up, and came into the city: and the next day he departed with Barnabas to Derbe.

This time things go south quickly. They have been labeled by these Jews as blasphemers and Paul is dragged out of the city and stoned. This was meant to kill a man, yet Paul survives by the grace of God.

This is the time to quit and go home, but God is not done with Paul and Barnabas. They go onward.

Ministry at Derbe

Acts 14:20–21 KJV 1900

20 Howbeit, as the disciples stood round about him, he rose up, and came into the city: and the next day he departed with Barnabas to Derbe. 21 And when they had preached the gospel to that city, and had taught many, they returned again to Lystra, and to Iconium, and Antioch,

Here for the first time, God does a work, and Paul and Barnabas are allowed to remain. Like Isaac digging wells that continue to be stolen, Paul and Barnabas have kicked out of city after city.

The Rewards of their Faithfulness

Paul and Barnabas continued through the worst of circumstances, and persevered. God did a work. I’m sure this was not their plan, nor was it what they would have preferred, but God worked all things together for good.

Acts 14:21–23 KJV 1900

21 And when they had preached the gospel to that city, and had taught many, they returned again to Lystra, and to Iconium, and Antioch, 22 Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God. 23 And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed.

A few thoughts on why God allows difficulty and following Him through more difficult trails.

Remember that God can do His work without you

Acts 14:21 KJV 1900

21 And when they had preached the gospel to that city, and had taught many, they returned again to Lystra, and to Iconium, and Antioch,

They returned through these cities. I’m sure that if they had had their way, they would have still been in Antioch!

God had continued His great work without Barnabas and Paul.

This may almost seem discouraging, but it is the truth. Often, we think that if things don’t go according to our thoughts and our plans, that somehow God has failed us.

No, God can bring about His good without our abilities, and without even our input.

Isaiah 55:7–9 KJV 1900

7 Let the wicked forsake his way, And the unrighteous man his thoughts: And let him return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy upon him; And to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. 8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, Neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. 9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are my ways higher than your ways, And my thoughts than your thoughts.

Always remember, a lack of prayer displays our independence from God. — Chris Edwards

Don’t let the Opposition discourage you

Acts 14:19–20 KJV 1900

19 And there came thither certain Jews from Antioch and Iconium, who persuaded the people, and, having stoned Paul, drew him out of the city, supposing he had been dead. 20 Howbeit, as the disciples stood round about him, he rose up, and came into the city: and the next day he departed with Barnabas to Derbe.

No great work has ever been accomplished without an obstacle in the way, for then it would not be a great work.

The opposition is not stronger than your God.

Isaiah 40:28–31 KJV 1900

28 Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, That the everlasting God, the Lord, The Creator of the ends of the earth, Fainteth not, neither is weary? There is no searching of his understanding. 29 He giveth power to the faint; And to them that have no might he increaseth strength. 30 Even the youths shall faint and be weary, And the young men shall utterly fall: 31 But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings as eagles; They shall run, and not be weary; And they shall walk, and not faint.

Never forget who you are

Acts 14:15 KJV 1900

15 And saying, Sirs, why do ye these things? We also are men of like passions with you, and preach unto you that ye should turn from these vanities unto the living God, which made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all things that are therein:

With an opportunity to allow themselves to become the focus of attention, Paul and Barnabas were quick to announce that they were only sinners saved by grace.

Learn to be Flexible

Paul and Barnabas went from place to place. I’m sure it was in their thoughts to travel, but not like this.

They continued to be faithful in what God had called them to do and bloomed wherever they were planted.

Surrender everything to the Lord

While it is obvious that Paul and Barnabas had surrendered themselves to God by going where He told them. It becomes equally obvious that everything they ever had they surrendered to God’s control, from their ministry, to the churches that were started, to the new pastors that they ordained.

Acts 14:23 KJV 1900

23 And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed.

Commend is to set before.

So as difficulty begins to mount and you feel the opposition rising, trust God.

Remember that God can do the Work without you

Don’t let the opposition discourage you

Never forget who you are

Learn to be flexible

Surrender everything to the Lord