This picture from Walter Vogt is not a recent one; rather it is from the first day of Spring, 2014. How time flies!!! Spring has given way to summer (and the sweltering heat of Florida) and now Fall has arrived with its cooler temperatures- yes, even in Florida, it becomes cooler in Fall. I love to see the seasons change because this reminds of God's blessings.
Acts 14:1-20 NASB
(1) In Iconium they entered the synagogue of the Jews together, and spoke in such a manner that a large number of people believed, both of Jews and of Greeks.
(2) But the Jews who disbelieved stirred up the minds of the Gentiles and embittered them against the brethren.
(3) Therefore they spent a long time there speaking boldly with reliance upon the Lord, who was testifying to the word of His grace, granting that signs and wonders be done by their hands.
(4) But the people of the city were divided; and some sided with the Jews, and some with the apostles.
(5) And when an attempt was made by both the Gentiles and the Jews with their rulers, to mistreat and to stone them,
(6) they became aware of it and fled to the cities of Lycaonia, Lystra and Derbe, and the surrounding region;
(7) and there they continued to preach the gospel.
(8) At Lystra a man was sitting who had no strength in his feet, lame from his mother's womb, who had never walked.
(9) This man was listening to Paul as he spoke, who, when he had fixed his gaze on him and had seen that he had faith to be made well,
(10) said with a loud voice, "Stand upright on your feet." And he leaped up and began to walk.
(11) When the crowds saw what Paul had done, they raised their voice, saying in the Lycaonian language, "The gods have become like men and have come down to us."
(12) And they began calling Barnabas, Zeus, and Paul, Hermes, because he was the chief speaker.
(13) The priest of Zeus, whose temple was just outside the city, brought oxen and garlands to the gates, and wanted to offer sacrifice with the crowds.
(14) But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard of it, they tore their robes and rushed out into the crowd, crying out
(15) and saying, "Men, why are you doing these things? We are also men of the same nature as you, and preach the gospel to you that you should turn from these vain things to a living God, WHO MADE THE HEAVEN AND THE EARTH AND THE SEA AND ALL THAT IS IN THEM.
(16) "In the generations gone by He permitted all the nations to go their own ways;
(17) and yet He did not leave Himself without witness, in that He did good and gave you rains from heaven and fruitful seasons, satisfying your hearts with food and gladness."
(18) Even saying these things, with difficulty they restrained the crowds from offering sacrifice to them.
(19) But Jews came from Antioch and Iconium, and having won over the crowds, they stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, supposing him to be dead.
(20) But while the disciples stood around him, he got up and entered the city. The next day he went away with Barnabas to Derbe.
(1) In Iconium they entered the synagogue of the Jews together, and spoke in such a manner that a large number of people believed, both of Jews and of Greeks.
(2) But the Jews who disbelieved stirred up the minds of the Gentiles and embittered them against the brethren.
(3) Therefore they spent a long time there speaking boldly with reliance upon the Lord, who was testifying to the word of His grace, granting that signs and wonders be done by their hands.
(4) But the people of the city were divided; and some sided with the Jews, and some with the apostles.
(5) And when an attempt was made by both the Gentiles and the Jews with their rulers, to mistreat and to stone them,
(6) they became aware of it and fled to the cities of Lycaonia, Lystra and Derbe, and the surrounding region;
(7) and there they continued to preach the gospel.
(8) At Lystra a man was sitting who had no strength in his feet, lame from his mother's womb, who had never walked.
(9) This man was listening to Paul as he spoke, who, when he had fixed his gaze on him and had seen that he had faith to be made well,
(10) said with a loud voice, "Stand upright on your feet." And he leaped up and began to walk.
(11) When the crowds saw what Paul had done, they raised their voice, saying in the Lycaonian language, "The gods have become like men and have come down to us."
(12) And they began calling Barnabas, Zeus, and Paul, Hermes, because he was the chief speaker.
(13) The priest of Zeus, whose temple was just outside the city, brought oxen and garlands to the gates, and wanted to offer sacrifice with the crowds.
(14) But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard of it, they tore their robes and rushed out into the crowd, crying out
(15) and saying, "Men, why are you doing these things? We are also men of the same nature as you, and preach the gospel to you that you should turn from these vain things to a living God, WHO MADE THE HEAVEN AND THE EARTH AND THE SEA AND ALL THAT IS IN THEM.
(16) "In the generations gone by He permitted all the nations to go their own ways;
(17) and yet He did not leave Himself without witness, in that He did good and gave you rains from heaven and fruitful seasons, satisfying your hearts with food and gladness."
(18) Even saying these things, with difficulty they restrained the crowds from offering sacrifice to them.
(19) But Jews came from Antioch and Iconium, and having won over the crowds, they stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, supposing him to be dead.
(20) But while the disciples stood around him, he got up and entered the city. The next day he went away with Barnabas to Derbe.
The change of seasons is a witness that God is and that he provides good things to everyone. It is hard for me to imagine the life that the apostle Paul lived, with all its turmoil, obstacles and suffering. Yet, somehow he came through it all had courage to continue to preach the truth, even after being stoned. Think about it, after being stoned, he went back into the city!!! What courage, what trust, what a man!!! Look out your window and notice the seasonal changes that Fall brings and remember Acts 14- God has blessed us all and he will give strength to those who love him to do seemingly impossible things!!! Personally, I could do without the stoning business, but should that be my destiny, so be it!!! Anyway, find a quiet moment today and reflect about the existence and provision of God. And be thankful that it isn't snowing yet!!!