For Paul and Barnabas, the city of Derbe brought rest and comfort. While traveling, healing people and sharing the gospel, these brave men faced many trials. They were threatened with death in Iconium (Acts 14:1-7). And Paul was brutally stoned in Lystra before receiving a miraculous healing from God (Acts 14:8-20a). Through it all, they never were discouraged.
But God knew it was time for some rest and refreshment. So He sent them to Derbe. After surviving a torturous stoning, the next day Paul with Barnabas walked 18 miles from Lystra to Derbe. After overcoming a trial, he just got up and kept going!
While in Derbe, Paul and Barnabas continued to preach. Many people believed, and there was no opposition, unlike the countless attacks from Satan before this time. God knew that these men needed an “easy” task to recover from all they had already been through. Derbe was God’s chance to give Paul and Barnabas rest and strength before he sent them back to the battlefield.
I’d like to think I have a pretty good life. But just like everyone else, I have struggles, too. My biggest challenge right now is being a good mommy and living out Jesus to a sweet 2-year-old girl. Sometimes, my impatience gets the best of me and I lose my temper with her. Sometimes, I feel overwhelmed with parenting duties and need a vacation from being a mommy. Sometimes, I just want to drive in the car alone without a tiny voice in the backseat requesting a certain song or asking it to be “louder” or telling me not to sing along with said song!
But in all of this, God gives me Derbe moments. I have an amazing family, including a wonderful husband, the best sister I could ever ask for and caring parents and in-laws. I work at a part-time job I love and with co-workers I love, including my best friend. I spend most Tuesday evenings eating dinner and relaxing with my parents and Avery, followed by some alone time before Chris gets home from class. I get to serve God alongside an amazing team of godly women every Saturday morning and Monday night. Through these blessings, God provides rest and strength before I face the battlefield again.
Even when the stresses of life take over, I need to be like Paul and keep on keeping on. And I need to enjoy Derbe but not linger there…because God is preparing me for battle!
Time with you is always a Derbe moment for me, too. Thanks for sharing!