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Word of the Day: Acts 18: 9-10

Walk with Jesus

And the Lord said to Paul in the night by a vision, "do not be afraid any longer, but go on speaking and do not be silent; for I am with you, and no man will attack you in order to harm you, for I have many people in this city." Acts 18: 9-10

Paul was in the synagogue in Corinth testifying about Jesus. He had just previously been in Athens and had come away a little depressed and anxious because of dealing with those against him and his message. The Lord reassured Paul through a vision telling him not to be afraid any longer, no harm would come to him and he was not to be silent. Wow that must have been amazing!

When I first read these verses I wanted to interpret them to mean is Paul wouldn't experience any difficulties. I mean God did say don't be afraid, keep on speaking. Then I wanted to take this a step further, maybe that meant the same for me, I wouldn't experience any difficulties. But after reasoning for a minute I was knocked back to reality. When I continue reading in vs 12 I see issues arose. It says "…the Jews with one accord rose up against Paul…" The Lord didn't promise Paul no difficulties, but most importantly what He did promise was in vs 10, " I am with you." That's where our confidence lies. Hebrew 13:5b says it again "I WILL NEVER DESERT YOU, NOR WILL I EVER FORSAKE YOU". The MacArthur commentary says, "there is absolutely no way whatsoever that I will ever, ever leave you".

Are you going through a particularly stressful situation? Perhaps it's a marriage relationship or a family or work situation. We all face difficulties at one time or another in our life. When these circumstances occur, I am so easily distracted by the situation that I easily forget God's promise, "I am with you." I Corinthians 10:13 says, "No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it." So, as you go through this day remember what God said, "I am with you."

I love to pray the prayer the missionary Jim Elliot prayed;

Father, "prepare me for what you have prepared for me."

Dedicated to Prayer
Dave
Heb 4:16