TUESDAY September 19, 2023
Do You Need Encouragement?
Now the Lord spoke to Paul in the night by a vision, “Do not be afraid, but speak, and do not keep silent; for I am with you, and no one will attack you to hurt you; for I have many people in this city.” And he continued there a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them.
Acts 18:9-11
At times, God spoke to Paul through dreams and visions. As an apostle, in this period in his life, he must have been discouraged, perhaps because of the rejection of Christ by the Jews in the synagogue. He had faced much persecution from his own countrymen. Even though God was leading, guiding, and providing for Paul’s needs, his heart was discouraged, and he needed encouragement from the Lord.
Did Paul become afraid? Yes, he became fearful in his heart. He must have felt all alone. As persecution had come before, there was the possibility that he would face hostility again. The Jews hated him. He needed God’s comfort and reassurance. God calmed his fears. Nobody would attack him; he had nothing to fear. God was not finished with Paul’s life yet.
God, seeing the future, already knew all those who would accept Christ as His Word spread. Paul was going to be used by the Lord to teach many people in the city. He was able to stay and teach the new believers God’s Word for an entire year and a half so they could grow to maturity. Through Paul’s sound teaching, a healthy Christian church was established. The believers invited other people to church––the sheep begat the sheep. This was exactly how churches were established in the Calvary Chapel movement.
On occasion, I am sure you get discouraged; so do I at times. This is when we need to hear comforting words from the Lord. God is faithful to speak to our hearts through the Scriptures. He reassures us of His presence and gives to us His peace.
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
~Isaiah 41:10 NIV~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!
