Our Scripture reading today is Acts 14:26-28.
Verse 27, "And when they were come, and had gathered the church together, they rehearsed all that God had done with them, and how he had opened the door of faith unto the Gentiles."
You might say this is a missionary praise letter of sorts. The church in Antioch is overjoyed with how God was working in and through them. They were rejoicing about it amongst themselves. Not only were Jews getting saved, but Gentiles were too! There were trials and difficulties to overcome along the way: difficulty of travel itself, the confrontation with Elymas on Cyprus, the quitting of John Mark, being driven out of the cities of Antioch and Iconium, the temptation to receive adoration, and being stoned in Lystra. It was well worth is when we come to this passage of Scripture.
The obstacles and challenges may look different, but they are still there. The enemy is still trying to discourage God's labourers from delivering the truth. While this is true, there is something else that is still true today...God is working in and through His surrendered children. Hallelujah!! God is still opening the hearts of those who have been deceived by the lies of our enemy. Now is the time to praise God for what He is doing and continue to preach His Gospel.