MONDAY January 8, 2024
Under God’s Safekeeping
Now when there arose a great dissension, the commander, fearing lest Paul might be pulled to pieces by them, commanded the soldiers to go down and take him by force from among them, and bring him into the barracks.
Acts 23:10
The Jewish council was divided over Paul’s statement concerning the hope of the Resurrection of the dead. His words caused a great dissension among the Sadducees and the Pharisees, so much so that Paul was once again in danger for his life. Those who opposed him became aggressive and could have pulled him to pieces!
Therefore, God intervened. He used a nonbeliever, a commander of Rome, to step in and command his soldiers to take Paul by force back to the safety of the barracks. Do you think that this deliverance was man’s doing? No, it was not; it was God’s. He helped Paul! You may ask, “Does God use nonbelievers in this way?” Yes, He does; He moves on the hearts of the unsaved according to His divine will.
In the case of Nehemiah, God moved the heart of the King of Persia to help him in rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem. The King allowed Nehemiah to leave for a time with letters to governors to allow him easy passage to Jerusalem. He also gave him a letter to present to Asaph, the keep of the King’s forest, with the request to give Nehemiah all the needed timber to help rebuild. Nehemiah knew for certain God’s hand was upon his life: ...the king granted them [all the necessary provisions] to me according to the good hand of my God upon me (Nehemiah 2:8).
Know this: You are under God’s safekeeping. Whether you need deliverance from a dangerous situation or supplies to rebuild or some other need. God is able to help. May God ...supply all your needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19).
For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his sacred tent and set me high upon a rock.
~Psalm 27:5 NIV~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!
