Acts 19:23 says, “About that time there was a major disturbance about the Way.” Have you ever watched a sporting event when a team was losing, and their looming defeat caused them to show frustration or anger? When they realize they can’t win fairly, they start to play dirty. They start taking cheap shots and making unnecessary penalties or fouls. That’s what happened in Ephesus. Idols were being rejected and the Gospel was prevailing, but the idolaters stirred up trouble and caused a riot in the city.

Darkness cannot defeat the light, but as its defeat becomes increasingly obvious, it lashes out with anger. When you are turning from idols and sins, expect disturbances. When you live on mission, expect opposition. Satan has been defeated, but he won’t go down without a fight. Arm yourself not with weapons of destruction, but with the armor of God (Ephesians 6:10–18). Take the Gospel of peace to a world at war with God, itself and you. Though there may be disturbances, you have received a kingdom that cannot be shaken (Hebrews 12:28).

• How will you respond when the world reacts with anger?