Have you had Enough of Trials?

Have you ever felt like you’re tired of trials? Paul probably needed a break from his trials too. He had been through a lot.

Among other things that happened to Paul, he was stoned in Lystra (Acts 14:19). People in Damascus plotted to kill him but failed (Acts 9:23). In Jerusalem the believers did not believe he was a disciple and were afraid of him. Barnabas helped them understand who Paul was. (Acts 9:26-27)

Paul also crossed the path of like-minded people like Aquila and his wife, Priscilla, as he arrived in Corinth. Aquila, a Jewish native of Pontus, had come from Italy with his wife Priscilla. In Scripture, Priscilla’s name often comes first; I’m guessing she was the one who would have been so hospitable to Paul. She was also a woman of the Word, as we read that she taught Apollos (Acts 18:26When that couple opened their home to Paul for accommodation, it would have been the perfect encounter. They had so many things in common, including their vocational skills. So, while staying with them, Paul worked with them making tents. That would have helped him earn a living, making his life easier. Maybe Paul’s earnings would have helped Aquila and Priscilla to pay their bills too.

Imagine what a great moment of comfort for Paul this would have been. In return, Aquila and Priscilla would have felt the blessing of his presence in their home.I can imagine all of them at the same table enjoying delicious meals together, laughing together, staying up till a bit late sometimes. They would have shared the truth based on the Word of God and their opinions about it. Paul, who was used to living a life that was unsafe, would have enjoyed the warmth and blessings of their probably modest home. He might have felt a bit more loved and comfortable than usual.

On the other hand, Aquila and Priscilla were taking risks. Paul wrote in Romans 16:3-4 “Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my co-workers in Christ Jesus. They risked their lives for me. Not only I but all the churches and Gentiles are grateful for them.”

Dear God, let me learn from Priscilla and Aquila. Let me learn to open my home wisely to people that you place on my heart and share what you have blessed me with, in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Throughout this day: Is there a neighbor with whom you can share some of your good things? It can be in various ways. Be wise, pray about it and go ahead, open your home to touch base with others over a meal when possible. Sometimes it may be wise to invite more than one person at a time. Or meet them somewhere and get to know them a bit better over a cup of coffee or tea first.