Acts 12:24,25

Acts 12:24,25 But the word of God grew and multiplied. And Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem, when they had fulfilled their ministry, and took with them John, whose surname was Mark. Barnabas was a good man who saw the good in others. John Mark was a young man who went on to write the Book of Mark. But his ministry was a rough one. When Paul and Barnabas took him with them on their first missionary trip, John Mark couldn’t make it. He gave up and quit. But when Paul and Barnabas came back to Jerusalem and told some of their great missionary stories, John Mark wanted them to take him back. Barnabas wanted to give him a second chance, but Paul didn’t. Their disagreement was so great that they split up, Barnabas taking John Mark and Paul taking Silas. We don’t hear of Barnabas again, but Paul does tell Timothy to bring John Mark with him in I Timothy “for he is profitable for me for the ministry.” Paul changed his mind about John Mark. John Mark made a mistake, but Paul took him back. Paul made a poor decision, but admitted his mistake. Just like Paul and John Mark, we all make mistakes. But after we do, what happens? Should we give up? Or like John Mark and Paul, should we continue on working for God? Don’t give up! God will always forgive you and God will always use you!