Have you been timely encouraged
recently?
Last week we saw how Paul was ready and
willing to die for Jesus as he traveled back to a hostile Jerusalem. Things
went well for the first week in Jerusalem (Acts 21:17-26), but then he was wrongly
accused, seized, and dragged out of the temple to be killed. God sovereignly
had the Roman commander and troops intervene and spare him. The Jews were
determined to kill him, though, and continued their wrongful accusations (Acts
21:27-23:10).
That’s when Jesus timely appeared:
Acts 23:11 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.”
Jesus didn’t
promise it would be smooth sailing, but provided renewed confidence, a new
assignment, and evidence He was watching, caring for Him and in control.
I have found it
so timely that everyone in the Bible study I’m in has been studying Paul’s difficult
trials and hardships while we are going through our own new challenges. It has
so encouraged me to keep everything in perspective! Jesus’ words to Paul can
apply to us. We are to “take courage!” He’s aware of everything going on around
us and everything going forward. He’s in control. He’s watching. He has new and
different assignments for us during this time. I can trust Him!
I know several
of the devotional writers have shared timely encouragement
from God and His Word during this time. Feel free to share any other Scriptures
that have really encouraged you recently!
Alice
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