Today’s Reading: Acts 18:7-11
Today’s Verse: “Then spake the Lord to Paul in the night by a vision, Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace: For I am with thee, and no man shall set on thee to hurt thee: for I have much people in this city.” Acts 18:9-10 KJV
There will always be times when we will face resistance. Times when we will feel fear. It is good to know that the Word gives us wonderful examples to help guide us through such moments.
In this passage, during his second missionary journey, Paul was in the challenging and immoral city of Corinth. He was there to preach but faced heavy opposition from the local religious leaders.
“One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision” (Acts 18:9 NIV). He wanted to give Paul courage to face the opposition and fear while he preached. He told him, “Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace” (Acts 18:9 KJV).
It is reassuring to know that even an Apostle like Paul, a major church leader, struggled with fear and the temptation to stay silent.
In the next verse the Lord was giving him the divine reassurance of His protection. That no one was going to attack or harm him because He was with him and He had many people in the city. (Acts 18:10 KJV).
This vision was a great encouragement for Paul and he stayed in Corinth. He was there for a year and a half, teaching the Word of God.
God knows about all of our fears. He is calling for all believers to overcome fear and to keep sharing their faith (His Word) anyway.
Our greatest comfort comes from the promise of God’s presence, not from the absence of trouble. Trouble will always find a way into our lives, but it will be defeated.
Like Paul, let us be persistent in our faith walk. Telling others about Jesus and what He had done for us. What He can do for them.
A WORD OF PRAYER
Heavenly Father, forgive us for the times we stay quiet because of anxiety and fear. We know we should not be silent, but we don’t want to feel rejected. Give us the boldness to keep speaking Your truth. To share Your love with people around us. The world needs Your light and wisdom. Thank You that Yor Word meets us in our moments of doubt and hesitation. Continue to remind us of the promise You gave to Paul. Reminding us that You are already at work on our situation. That You have others prepared to hear Your voice. Thank You that through You we can find the patience and trust needed to plant the seeds for Your kingdom. Give us the strength to move forward in obedience and peace.
In Jesus Name We Pray, Amen