Acts 1:14-16 - Overcoming discouragement
Scripture:
Acts 1:14-16
14 These all with one mind were continually devoting themselves to prayer, along with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers.
15 At this time Peter stood up in the midst of the brethren (a gathering of about one hundred and twenty persons was there together), and said,
16 "Brethren, the Scripture had to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit foretold by the mouth of David concerning Judas, who became a guide to those who arrested Jesus.
NASU
Thoughts:
Just after the Ascension and before Pentecost, the apostles and other followers are praying. We don't know what they were praying or how they felt for sure, but Peter seems to be counseling them (and himself). It seems possible that they were dealing with some disappointment. Disappointment that Judas turned out to be a false follower. And of course, disappointment that Christ had now ascended, rather than staying with them and setting up His kingdom (see Acts 1:6-7).
Given all that, Peter seems to be pointing out that they need to just accept what happened. Clearly, it was God's will (v. 16). It wasn't what they wanted to be sure, but they needed to accept it and move on.
Prayer:
Lord, it's so easy to get stuck in disappointment. Some things that come my way (or don't come my way) are just overwhelming!
Help me not to get bogged down in disappointment. Let me grieve as long as is healthy when necessary, but then get on with my life.
Help me to remember that even when I face setbacks, it doesn't mean my life is over or will never reach the same level of blessing that I've known in the past. You remain good, even though life sometimes, does not.
Amen
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