Pentecost power was given before the persecution came. The church did not know that prison, martyrdom and separation was forthcoming when they received power. Yet, Pentecost prepared them for impact. Although it may seem counterintuitive, persecution was proof the impact, not the absence of it.

The fire fell on imperfect and vulnerable people. Many believers have disqualified themselves from being used by God and they have neglected the power that they possess through the Holy Spirit because they think that the Holy Spirit is for those that are perfect. But the people in the upper room were far from perfect  they were doubtful, wounded, unstable believers and fearful disciples and God used them mightily anyway. God uses those that are available and have surrendered hearts.

The church was scattered but the fire did not go out. The scattering was meant to destroy the church and silence believers, but it spread revival instead and accelerated the divine plan of God. The pressures that believers experience should not cause them to renounce their faith and the church or to believe that God has rejected them. Instead, it should be indicative that the Holy Spirit is at work within them to grow endurance.

The Holy Spirit heals what church hurt tries to destroy. Church hurt attacks trust, identity, community, faith and the calling of believers. The Holy Spirit restores courage, healing, vision and spiritual confidence. The presence of hurt is not a reason to despair, but it should direct one to look to the Holy Spirit to restore what may be broken.