Take Courage

"The following night the Lord stood by him and said, “Take courage, for as you have testified to the facts about me in Jerusalem, so you must testify also in Rome.” Acts‬ ‭23:11‬‬

This account in the life of Paul demonstrates the power of God in how He can use the evil conspiracies of man to accomplish His purposes. The religious Jews were falsely accusing Paul before the Roman authorities, while at the same time, forty men had committed themselves to assassinating him. But God had other plans, namely for Paul to preach the gospel in Rome. And because evil plots were uncovered, and trials ensued, He was eventually taken to Rome with a Roman security escort and all expenses paid by tax payer's dollars.

But although God was working behind the scenes, early on it appears that Paul may have been losing heart. However, the Lord stood by him at night to encourage him and reveal to him that He was at work amidst all the craziness going on in his life. Are you fearful because of circumstances beyond your control or because of what others may be conspiring to do against you? Take courage today in knowing that where man rules, God overrules. And let the light of Jesus shine brightly in your life. He is standing with you.