Acts 11:19a “So then those who were scattered because of the persecution that occurred in connection with Stephen made their way to Phoenicia and Cyprus and Antioch,”

PUSHED OUT

Why does a loving God allow persecution of believers around the world? Well, we have one answer right here in this verse. We read earlier about Stephen’s death because of his testimony and preaching. Obviously, that persecution continued. We know that Saul (later named Paul) was one of the chief antagonists. So the people fled the persecution, thus taking the Word of God with them.

God allowed persecution to push the believers out in order to spread the Word. There was no internet back then. There was no television or radio. People spread news by word of mouth. And what better news than the Good News of Jesus Christ?!

TEACHING MOMENT

But how in the world do you explain persecution to your children? How do you explain that it can be “allowed” by God to further His kingdom? The best way I know is to find some testimonies of believers who have suffered persecution. They are our modern day New Testament believers who, just like these mentioned in Acts 11, suffered persecution, which forced them to leave their homes and perhaps their homelands. But through their persecution God has given them a pulpit to share His love.

Here is one great article which you could share with your children – http://www.christiantoday.com/article/we.are.living.in.the.midst.of.the.greatest.turning.of.muslims.to.christ.in.history/56393.htm. Christianity Today published this last year. God is moving among Muslims who, due to ISIS, have fled through countries.

Sometimes God allows events in our lives to “push” us in another direction. I have experienced God’s shoves at times in my ministry. Sometimes that is a gentle nudge, and other times, well, let’s just say I knew I had been pushed. Don’t wait on that. Seek ways for God to use you right where you are. Let Him lead you in areas that you would NEVER go on your own. You can trust His hand to guide you.