But some Jews from Antioch and Iconium came there, and having persuaded the multitudes, they stoned Paul, and dragged him out of the city, supposing that he was dead. But as the disciples stood around him, he rose up, and entered into the city. On the next day he went out with Barnabas to Derbe. Acts 14:19 WEB

After Paul and Barnabas healed a crippled man and preached the good news in the city of Lystra, the people were so impressed that they wanted to make sacrifices to them. They said 'The gods have come down among us in human form!' They called Barnabas Zeus, and Paul Hermes.

Then Jews who disliked Paul, came from other cities and stirred up the crowd against him. They formed a mob, stoned Paul, dragged him outside of the city and left him for dead. He may have actually been dead as they were really good at stoning in those days. When the disciples gathered around his body later to mourn, Paul suddenly got up and went back into the city and spent the night. Then he traveled to Derbe and continued to preach the good news of Jesus, with signs following.

The stoning at Lystra became a part of Paul's testimony. He added a lot more to his list and in 2 Corinthians 11:23 wrote: 'with far greater labors, far more imprisonments, with countless beatings, and often near death. Five times I received at the hands of the Jews the forty lashes less one. Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I was adrift at sea.'

Many times in life we get knocked down, especially when we are trying our hardest to live right, but it will not stop us. You will get back up and take the next step. You are not beaten. You will continue on and what you suffer will become a part of your testimony just as Paul. Getting back up after being knocked down is a time-honored tradition for followers of Jesus.

Prayer: Heavenly Father I thank You for being there for me. Please help me pull my life together and turn this test, into a testimony. I look to You Lord, for my help comes from above. Walk with me today and show Yourself strong in my life, in the name of Jesus Christ I pray.

Note: For those who are participating in our Creation Photographers theme of the week: Proverbs 8:30-31 "Then I was constantly at his side. I was filled with delight day after day, rejoicing always in his presence, rejoicing in his whole world and delighting in mankind." - This week's fun theme will be 'Summer Delights' and is open wide for some creative interpretation! Show us what delights you about summer!! You are also encouraged to post anything else that inspires you as well. My photos this week (in the group) reflect some of our delightful summer fun. Have a blessed and fabulous week, and may you always rejoice and delight in the Lord! Here is the link: Creation Photographers

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