Despite Hardship
They returned again to Lystra. Acts 14:21
Paul had been stoned at Lystra and left for dead! But in that city were young believers needing much encouragement. Would he and Barnabas return to the place of stoning to help them? Yes! The criterion for their course of action was not, whether they would again face hardship, but whether there was still work to be done for God in that city. Fellow believer, have you abandoned some service for your Lord because it meant a little inconvenience or hardship? Return again to your Lystra! --David Croudace
Nought reserving, on the altar all I lay, and wait the hour,
When the fire from heaven descending shall attest His glorious pow’r.
Taking up the cross of Jesus, glad for Him to suffer shame,
All my gain I count but loss for the glory of His name. -- I. Budd
