Return and Encouragement - Pt. 3: Backtracking to Build

Baptist Daily Devotional
Aug 11
2 min read

Rev Tetteh-Annor Larbi | August 11 2025 | Acts 14:21-28

KEY VERSE: “²¹…Then they returned to Lystra, Iconium and Antioch, ²² strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith… ” Acts 14:21-22 (NIV)

MESSAGE:

Yesterday, we reflected on Paul and Barnabas’ words in verse 22b, “We must go through many hardships to enter the Kingdom of God.” Today, we remain in verses 21–22, but shift our focus from their message to their movement. These verses show us what they did surrounding those words—returning to the very cities where they had faced rejection, persecution, and even violence.After completing their initial mission, Paul and Barnabas did something that defied logic and comfort: they went back to strengthen the believers they had left behind. Their mission wasn’t just to preach and move on—it was to build lasting faith. True discipleship often means backtracking to check in, encourage, and make sure others are standing firm in Christ.

This act of returning shows the heart of a shepherd, not just an evangelist. Paul and Barnabas risked their safety to ensure that the seeds of faith had taken root. They didn’t just want converts; they wanted mature disciples. Sometimes, spiritual growth requires us to revisit places or people we’ve already passed by—to check in, repair, or reinforce what God began. Building people in faith isn’t a one-time event; it’s an ongoing commitment.

FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE:

In your own journey, God may call you to backtrack—not because you failed, but because someone else needs strengthening. Whether it's following up with a friend, mentoring a younger believer, revisiting a place of challenge, or going back can be a divine assignment. Don’t see it as a setback—see it as a step in building the kingdom. Your return could be the encouragement someone needs to keep holding on.

PRAYER:

Lord, give me the humility and courage to go back when You lead me. Help me strengthen others in their walk with You, even if it means retracing hard paths. Use me to build faith that lasts. For Your dear name’s sake. Amen.

THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING.

SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!

The 365 DAILY BIBLE READING Day 223: 1 Chronicles 10–13 — Saul’s Death and Ark Returns

DAILY word study: RETURNED

The word returned in Acts 14:21 comes from the Greek hypostrephō, meaning “to turn back” or “to go back again.” It’s often used in Scripture when someone deliberately chooses to revisit a place.

Paul and Barnabas didn’t return by accident—they made a purposeful decision to go back to the very cities where they had faced danger. This shows a commitment not just to starting God’s work but to seeing it continue and grow. Returning, in this sense, is an act of courage, love, and obedience.

Reflect on This:

Where might God be asking you to “return” so His work in others can be strengthened?