S – Saul, however, was ravaging the church. He would enter house after house, drag off men and women, and put them in prison.⁴ So those who were scattered went on their way preaching the word

Acts 8:3–4 CSB

O – The result of this great wave of persecution was that all the believers … were scattered. Rather than having their enthusiasm dampened, however, they simply spread the Good News about Jesus wherever they went.

 New Living Translation Study Bible 

* Another example of God being “opposite” of what man expects – persecution brings shut down and demonstration.  God scatters, spread more of the Good news.

A – This is high-level persecution.  Yet, it forced the Gospel to move beyond Jerusalem.  Shows that more than the disciples were sharing and ministering.  Good seed produces good fruit.  The result is salvation and the filling of the Holy Spirit.

* I will face challenges.

* I will move beyond my comfort zone.

* I will value others in my journey and empower them to grow in their faith.

* I will share the Gospel.

R – Lord, help me to face persecution and challenges with the resolve that I will honor you first.  Let me do this in humility and with great courage.  I yield the results to you.