Staying Where You're Stirred

Baptist Daily Devotional
Aug 3
2 min read

Rev Tetteh-Annor Larbi | August 3 2025 | Acts 14:1-7

KEY VERSE: “So they remained for a long time, speaking boldly for the Lord, who bore witness to the word of His grace....” Acts 14:3a (NIV)

MESSAGE:

In Iconium, Paul and Barnabas preached with such power that many Jews and Gentiles came to faith. Yet, opposition quickly arose, and the city became divided. It would have been easier—and safer—for them to move on, but instead, they “remained for a long time.” Why? Because God was working.

Sometimes, the most fruitful places are also the most challenging. We should consider this: are we willing to stay where God is stirring, even when it gets uncomfortable?

Remaining in hard places takes boldness—not just human courage, but spiritual strength fueled by grace. The apostles didn’t just endure; they kept speaking boldly for the Lord. They trusted that God's Word would bear fruit, even when people’s minds were being poisoned against them (v. 2). As we press into prayer, self-denial, and reflection, we’re reminded that spiritual growth doesn’t always come from escaping difficulty, but often through staying rooted in God amid the storm.

The lesson here is clear: don't flee just because it's tough. If God has placed you in a situation where truth is needed, where light is breaking through darkness, and where hearts are being stirred—even in conflict—then stay and speak. Let your life testify boldly to the grace of God. He will bear witness through your faithfulness. We must bear in mind that Spiritual fruits often grow in hostile soil.

FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE:

When faced with trying times during an assignment for God, are you tempted to flee? Remember that if God sent you, He will sustain you through the difficult times. STAY.

PRAYER:

Lord, help me not to run from difficulty when You are working in the middle of it. Give me boldness to speak the truth with grace and to remain where You are stirring hearts. Use me, even in uncomfortable places, for Your glory. Amen.

THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING.

SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!

The 365 DAILY BIBLE READING Day 215: 2 Kings 1–4 — Elijah’s Departure & Elisha’s Miracles

DAILY word study: REMAINED The word “remained” comes from the Greek word diatríbō, which means “to spend time,” “to stay with purpose,” or “to continue in a place with intent.”

Paul and Barnabas didn’t stay in Iconium just because they had nowhere else to go. They remained because the Spirit of God was actively working—changing lives, despite the conflict. Their staying was a sign of obedience and trust in God's plan, not comfort. To remain where God is working is often a call to deep faith, even when others are resisting truth.

Reflect on This:

Is your urge to move on coming from fear or from faith? When God is working, don’t walk away. Remain with purpose.