Unstoppable! 'Paul's Plans Led to Hardship' — Acts 21:4

Friday, October 2, 2026

[Paul and his companions] went ashore [in Tyre], found the local believers, and stayed with them a week. These believers prophesied through the Holy Spirit that Paul should not go on to Jerusalem.

— Acts 21:4 NLT

Key Thought

Paul was called by God to share Jesus with the world, especially among people in the non-Jewish world.* Paul then gave his life to this ministry as he faithfully did what God called him to do. Part of Paul's call, however, was to endure hardship and suffering. When he was first called by Jesus, Paul was told there would be hardship, and the believers in Tyre told him about upcoming hardship in Jerusalem. God used that suffering to help validate Paul's commitment, to help him be an example to those he brought to Christ, and to open the door for him to testify before leaders of both the Jewish and non-Jewish world. We must remember that living in the Lord's favor and faithfully living into his purpose and mission for us will not mean that we will escape hardship and trials. Jesus and his apostles did what the Father called them to do. They, however, endured hardship. Our purpose is more significant than our comfort. God will not waste our suffering as we share Jesus with the lost!

* Our Related Scripture Readings give the basis for the key points in our devotional thought.

Today's Prayer

Father, we ask that you rouse us from our complacency and call us back to the passion of your early disciples. We want to be vibrant in our faith in Jesus, in our willingness to share Jesus with others, and in our commitment to honor Jesus in life and death. Use our lives to make a difference in the eternal destiny of others. We ask this, as your children, in Jesus' name. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

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3 Related Resources by Heartlight

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Illustration

Illustration of Acts 21:4 NLT — [Paul and his companions] went ashore [in Tyre], found the local believers, and stayed with them a week. These believers prophesied through the Holy Spirit that Paul should not go on to Jerusalem.

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About This Devotional

Unstoppable! is a one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage, a reflection and a prayer. The reflection opens up the day's scripture and shows how it challenges one to live for Jesus.

Unstoppable! is written by Phil Ware.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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