Acts 5:12-16
12 Now many signs and wonders were regularly done among the people by the hands of the apostles. And they were all together in Solomon's Portico. 13 None of the rest dared join them, but the people held them in high esteem. 14 And more than ever believers were added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women, 15 so that they even carried out the sick into the streets and laid them on cots and mats, that as Peter came by at least his shadow might fall on some of them. 16 The people also gathered from the towns around Jerusalem, bringing the sick and those afflicted with unclean spirits, and they were all healed.
Reflection
The deaths of Ananias and Sapphira produced a healthy fear (Acts 5:11), but that did not prevent the church from growing. It was obvious that God himself was in the midst of his people. Luke tells us that “more than ever believers were added to the Lord” (v. 14) as the apostles continued to regularly perform many signs and wonders among the people (vv. 12–13).
The cross should remind us that tragedy is not an obstacle for God’s purposes. He always knows what is best for us, and uses even the most painful difficulties for the accomplishment of his purposes.
2 Peter 3:11-13
11 Since all these things are thus to be dissolved, what sort of people ought you to be in lives of holiness and godliness, 12 waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be set on fire and dissolved, and the heavenly bodies will melt as they burn! 13 But according to his promise we are waiting for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.
Reflection
We, along with all creation, wait eagerly for the restoration of the universe (Rom. 8:22–23). Peter knows that the promised restoration will be a great encouragement to those suffering spiritually from the corruption of the church and also suffering bodily from outside persecution and hardship. The destruction of the world is not the final word; no, there is the promise of “new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells” (2 Pet. 3:13; cf. Job 19:25; Isa. 65:17; 66:22; 1 Cor. 15:50–58). The reality of the future judgment and transformation should encourage us to live holy and godly lives as we wait (2 Pet. 3:11).
Psalm 57:2
2 I cry out to God Most High, to God who fulfills his purpose for me.
Our suffering has already been factored into God’s plan for our lives. Trust that he has good purposes, and draw near to him as you ask him to help you through your time of need.