Sunday, October 22
Acts 23:10-11
The dispute became so violent that the commander was afraid Paul would be torn to pieces by them. He ordered the troops to go down and take him away from them by force and bring him into the barracks. The following night the Lord stood near Paul and said, “Take courage! As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome.”
Devotional:
Paul could have chosen to be harsh or angry about his given circumstances. Paul could have chosen to be upset with God for the situation He allowed Paul to find himself in. Yet, even in this that of persecution, God’s grace shone brightly. God made it clear to Paul that there was reasoning for his troubles. God revealed to Paul that he needed to “take courage!” as he was to continue testifying of God’s Gospel in – and on his way to – Rome. God did not want Paul to allow the violence to distract him from what God had set him out to do.
Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, I pray that this Scripture passage opens and renews my soul. May the words You spoke to Paul come alive in my life. Help me to receive Your encouragement and tackle normal, everyday things as well as the more difficult. In times of trial, enable meto remember the courage you put in Paul’s heart. Help me to apply that courage to my own life, always. Amen.
Application:
Nowadays, not all of us find ourselves being physically beaten by the people demanding adherence to Jewish law and beliefs. But are we choosing to actively listen to God’s voice when He tells us to have courage? Are we choosing to continue to press on? Today, PRAY in a new way! Take heart – ask God to speak to you in a specific way. Be patient, as God does not always answer prayer on our time or in ways we might expect. Stay alert and remember – God is with you. He is encouraging you to press on in your faith!