When the onslaught stops then we have need to worry for fear Satan is winning,

As Paul goes about his ministry traveling about from one congregation to another he records, “when the brethren heard of us, they came to meet us…whom when Paul saw, thanked God, and took courage.” (Acts 28-15)

Missions are hard. There is so much adversity. The opposition looses everything when people are converted and change their lifestyle. It is a matter of survival for the adversary and he fights dirty. Even at home in our own congregation contentions arises because we are imperfect humans. We are tempted, make mistakes, and become discouraged. Whatever the situation Satan is there trying to bring us down. When the onslaught stops then we have need to worry for fear Satan is winning, but we also need to be encouraged, a pat on the back, a well done thou good and faithful servant.

Paul and his companions had had success, but to be welcomed by those strong ones of the congregation, the brethren, gave them courage and renewed their faith. Yes, this is real. Yes, Christ, though dead, lives.

For those who were raised in Christian families or communities and heard of Christ since their birth this is accepted easily. Sometimes, we fight among ourselves about points of doctrine, but I have often thought how bizarre and insane it must seem to someone hearing the gospel for the first time to think that a man lived and died but lives again. If we can’t see it, touch it, and feel it we tend not to believe in it. Yet there are many who, having never heard of Christ believe in a higher power.

I recently heard an American Indian speak of his introduction into the Church. The things the missionaries were telling him caused him to remember the legends and stories of his ancestors. How grateful he was to learn that there really is a Great Spirit and that his ancestors were right. How grateful we are to bear testimony and to hear the testimony of others to strengthen and give us courage.