“They stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city,
supposing him to be dead”
(Acts 14:19)
Perspiration is a liquid composed of carbon dioxide and water vapor that we secrete naturally through the pores of the skin, and in greater quantity when the ambient temperature is high. It can also be produced when the body generates heat, such as when we exercise, and in stressful situations. Among the functions of perspiration we can highlight bodily thermoregulation, the elimination of toxins, and cooling.
Beyond the physiological, we also use the expression to illustrate the degree of identification with an ideal or with a cause. If we say that someone “oozes commitment through their pores” it is because they identify with something and are passionate about it.
For its part, a miracle is a divine intervention. It is a supernatural act that is perceived or received through faith. For some, it is just a hypothesis that aims to explain certain phenomena that have no possible scientific verification. And for those who don’t want to believe, a miracle is a subjective perception or a weakness of the needy human heart.
Acts 14 mentions that Paul was stoned in Lystra, dragged out of the city, and left for dead. Assisted by some disciples, Paul got up and went to Derbe to continue preaching. The bloodstains had still not dried on his robes, but he was continuing on with his mission.
After proclaiming the gospel in that city and making many disciples, he returned to Lystra, Antioch, and Iconium to continue preaching, even in the midst of tribulations, in order to extend the kingdom of God.
In this way, Paul visited the major cities of the world at the time. It is true that many miracles accompanied Paul’s ministry, but it is also true that he gave himself completely to the cause. “Woe to me of I do not preach the gospel!” he exclaimed in 1 Corinthians 9:16.
Are we today in need of more perspiration, more identification, and more commitment? Do we need more communion, more focus on mission, and more miracles? Don’t we need to detoxify ourselves from selfishness and pride, maintaining the ideal temperature of the first love, permanently refreshed by Christ, our Source of Life?
“The secret of success is the union of divine power
with human effort. Those who achieve the greatest results
are those who rely most implicitly upon the Almighty Arm”
The Lord performed many miracles out of nothing,
but He also performed many miracles on the basis of perspiration.
Let us act as if everything depended on us;
let us trust as if everything depended on God.
God bless you, and may you have a wonderful and miraculous day…