Acts 18:2
"And he found a certain Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus, who had recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla (because Claudius had commanded all the Jews to depart from Rome); and he came to them."
NKJV
When you follow God, He works things out for our good.
Corinth was a very wicked city. It could be said that Corinth was the Las Vegas of the day. The population of the city was over 400,000, and it was a popular tourist destination due to the location as well as the loose morals of the city. In fact, the reputation of the city was such that calling someone a "Corinthian" was considered an insult and to 'corinthianize' was to engage in sin.
Around AD 49, a wave of anti-Semitism rolled through Rome and the Emperor, Claudius, expelled the Jews from the city. As a result of this edict, Aquila and Priscilla departed to Corinth. After being mocked in Athens, Paul also was in Corinth where he met Aquila and Priscilla. What seemed to be bad circumstances for Aquila, Priscilla and Paul, became a huge blessing. Aquila and Priscilla became a valuable part of Paul's ministry team, and Paul was able to minister the Gospel more effectively due to their help. God used a bad thing to produce a good result.
Romans 8:28, "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose." NKJV
Notice that it does not say 'most things' or 'some things,' but it says, 'all things'. This does not mean you will understand how God will work it out to your good. There will be many times where you will not know for days, weeks or even years, how He will do it. Throughout the Bible, we see God redeem events in the lives of people for His purposes. It is a theme of grace Christians can count on. Jesus said, "In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world" John 16:33b NKJV. No mistake or circumstance can be too great to be used by God. The choice is yours. In difficult times, you can be freaked out or you can rest in the promises of God.
Dear Father,
Thank You that I do not have to worry. Thank You that because of Your mercy, faithfulness, and great love for me, I can be at peace in all circumstances. Please help me to remember this. I pray this in Jesus' name. Amen.
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