Shalom,

We read in Acts 14 today about the persecution that Paul spoke about suffering in 2 Timothy 3:11-12:

11 Persecutions, sufferings — such as occurred to me at Antioch, at Iconium, and at Lystra, persecutions I endured, but out of them all the Lord delivered me. 12 Indeed all who delight in piety and are determined to live a devoted and godly life in Christ Jesus will meet with persecution [will be made to suffer because of their religious stand]. AMP

Notice that Paul said that the Lord had delivered him out of them ALL! As verse 12 warns us that WE will also suffer persecution if we choose to do things God's way, we we can also fully expect to be delivered out of them ALL! AMEN! What type of persecution did Paul suffer? Look at Acts 14:19-20:

19 But some Jews arrived there from Antioch and Iconium; and having persuaded the people and won them over, they stoned Paul and [afterward] dragged him out of the town, thinking that he was dead. 20 But the disciples formed a circle about him, and he got up and went back into the town; and on the morrow he went on with Barnabas to Derbe.

They left Paul for dead, but GOD had other plans! What did Paul do after such a horrendous experience? He went to Derbe and did THIS:

21 When they had preached the good news (Gospel) to that town and made disciples of many of the people, they went back to Lystra and Iconium and Antioch, 22 Establishing and strengthening the souls and the hearts of the disciples, urging and warning and encouraging them to stand firm in the faith, and [telling them] that it is through many hardships and tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God.

Paul did not allow fear to keep him from going right back to the place of his worst persecution because he EXPECTED God to continue to deliver him out of them ALL! AMEN! Dare to believe that the same Jesus who delivered Paul will also deliver you out of EVERY situation the enemy tries to bring against you! Determine to preach the Gospel in any and every way He opens up for you, and do it with boldness! The enemy doesn't stand a chance against the fearless Church of Jesus Christ! Here is Hillsong with "I Will Exalt You"(As a note, when WE sing this, we change "because You're with me" to "because You're IN me" and "I will not fear" to "I know no fear"!):

Shalom in Him!