Spiritual spectators often become players—game changers in the daily battles of life with a series of emerging skills. We experience successes but also failures, neither of which should be our final epitaph. But faithfulness to God should be on our tombstone as part of our life’s journey and complement. Faithfulness will last for eternity.
King Herod imprisoned Peter for being a Christian. While bound by two chains between soldiers, Peter saw an Angel open jail doors and an iron gate.
After his release from prison, Peter arrived at John Mark’s mother’s house. Mark saw the results of miracle-working prayer firsthand. Miracles do happen, then and now.
Later, Paul, previously known as Saul, Barnabas, and Mark (13:5), went on their first mission journey. They first preached on the island of Cyprus. Then, the three journeyed to Pamphylia, present-day Turkey. Here, Mark decided to return home to Jerusalem.
Sometime later, when Paul was about to start his second missionary journey, Barnabas wanted to take Mark along. Paul disagreed. In their disagreement, Paul and Barnabas went their separate ways. Paul chose Silas to go with him. Barnabas chose Mark to continue their ministry in Cyprus.
Disagreement among Christians is typical. There are times when disenchantments enhance the cause of Christ. In this case, two groups of missionaries impacted the world instead of one. Have you ever thought that Barnabas applying family loyalty to strengthen young Mark was of God? Looking at Mark’s later ministries, you will see two significant accomplishments. The first was a new relationship with Paul. When Paul was writing to Timothy, he asked him to bring Mark. Now, Mark would be helpful for Paul (2 Timothy 4:11). The second reason is that the Holy Spirit saw something in Mark that Paul didn’t see in young Mark. This once-deserter wrote part of the New Testament, the book of Mark.
So, whatever your past, there is an opportunity for God to use you in the future. It’s never too late. God allows U-turns in life. He did it for Mark, and he can do it for you.
