Quote from Open Up Your Heart by Jeff Syverson (available now at Amazon.com)

June 11
Scattered On Purpose

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 131:1-3 | 1 Kings 8:1-66 | Acts 7:51-8:13 | Proverbs 17:1-33

Today’s Scripture Focus: Acts 7:51-8:13

“On that day a great persecution broke out against the church in Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria…Those who had been scattered preached the gospel wherever they went.” (Acts 8:1, 4 TNIV)

The stoning of Stephen was just the beginning of a wave of persecution against believers in Jerusalem. Saul and his associates went from house to house dragging Christians from their homes and putting them into prison. What would happen to the young church?

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God uses the tough times in our lives to show forth his power in our weakness. Sometimes God uses the tough times to move us to another place, sometimes spiritually, sometimes physically, sometimes both.

When you are feeling beat up, lost and like your world is out of control, know that God is still watching over you. He has a plan to use even this tough time for his glory. His design is that in this you would trust him and continue to proclaim his goodness to others. There is a purpose in the tough time. There is a purpose in pushing you out of the comfortable nest and into a new place in your walk with Him.

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Excerpts from Open Up Your Heart by Jeff Syverson. The full devotional and 364 others are available at amazon.com.