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. But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles, and made their minds evil affected against the brethren. 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. But the multitude of the city was divided: and part held with the Jews, and part with the apostles. 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, They were ware of it, and fled unto Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and unto the region that lieth round about: And there they preached the gospel.

Acts 14:1-7

Don’t you just adore drama? As a mother of three girls, a former volleyball coach, a former pastor’s wife and just being a woman, drama is inevitable and it must be shunned or dealt with. If not, it will grow into quite the monster spreading it’s appendages to cause massive destruction. Besides that, drama is poison, completely draining and useless. I often tell my children that nothing is worse than a carnal Christian…they create the worse drama.

The Lord allowed Paul and Barnabas to have such an amazing ministry at first in Iconium. Many Jews and Gentiles believed! But as we all should know, if God is at work, so is the enemy. But, there was a twist to this drama. The jealous unbelieving Jews in Iconium decided to spread evil words to the Gentiles to poison their opinions against Paul and Barnabas. However, God gave them special power to prove that His approval was upon them. God allowed the drama to increase and eventually the city was separated. Paul and Barnabas learned of a plot of unbelievers to stone them (the Jewish punishment for blasphemy) and they were able to escape to Lystra, about 20 miles south.

As a believer, it is easy to get so excited to see God work through us and then to be so discouraged when the enemy seeks to destroy the spread of the gospel. It can be an emotional roller coaster unless we keep our focus on God. We may never know why God allows evil to seem to reign at times, but we can always trust that He is in control in spite of everything seeming to be out of control. God is good and He will get the glory and He will bless those who trust in Him. Are you trusting or riding the emotional roller coaster?

Written by Kaye Dee Richards. Kaye Dee lives with her husband Colin in Morrison, CO. They have 4 children, Joshua, Amelia, Victoria, and Julia.
To contact Kaye Dee, leave a comment, message us on Facebook or email comments@thebeautifulspirit.org.