What is important to God in your life?  Paul and Barnabas endured opposition because of the message they gave out.  They preached Jesus Christ.
They had begun their first missionary journey from the city of Antioch.  They then traveled by ship and by foot to Iconium.  Opposition to their message began in the Turkish cities of Antioch and Iconium.  Some Jews from these two cities joined forces and followed them to Lystra.  Paul and Barnabas were hounded from city to city by these men.  (Acts 14:1-7)

What was important to God?  The vital message: salvation by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ to be preached to people who had never heard this wonderful news of truth.

In Lystra, Paul healed a man lame from birth…the priest of Zeus brought oxen to offer a sacrifice to Paul and Barnabas as if they were gods.  No, no, no…said Paul and Barnabas.  Then Jewish men from Antioch and Iconium “won over the crowds, they stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, supposing him to be dead.”                             (Acts 14:8-19)

(NASB) Acts 14:19-20 “But while the disciples stood around him (Paul), he got up and entered the city…”

What does Scripture not say about Paul being stoned?
Scripture does not say if Paul actually died; and if he did die, that he was resurrected.
Scripture does not say if Paul was helped to his feet or if he stood up by himself.
Scripture does not say if Paul had cuts, bruises, broken bones…nothing is said.

What does Scripture say?
Paul got up and entered the city and left the next day with Barnabas and they traveled to Derbe.  (Acts 14:20)

What is at least one thing that we can surmise from Scripture?  To you and me, the hurts we suffer because we are God’s called ones, is a big deal.  Is the Lord God surprised when we encounter opposition and oppression?  Don’t think so.  What is important to the Lord God are for His plans to be carried forward.  It is important people hear the gospel message of what His Son did on the cross and through His resurrection.

What people often share in their testimonies is the things they have suffered and not concentrating on what God is doing in and through them now.  Do you need to re-think your testimony?

What is important to God?  It is important for you and me to be faithful in what He calls us to do.  It is for His glory, His purpose and His praise.

Paul and Barnabas carried out the Great Commission of the Lord Jesus:
(NASB) Matthew 28:19-20 “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit,
20 teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.’”

Notice what important promise Jesus gave: He is with you always!!!!