By: Rex Stump
Have you ever been in a pickle, and wondered, “Okay God, how are you going to fix this?” Have you ever questioned the plans of God?
At first, we may not know the answers to these questions, but even during those confusing, depressing, and discouraging moments, God gives us what we need to keep going.
After three incredible missionary journeys filled with high and low moments, the Apostle Paul was celebrating God’s goodness. (Acts 21) But despite the good news, false accusations from jealous religious leaders led to a series of arrests, beatings, and imprisonments.
In Acts 23:11 we read, “That night the Lord appeared to Paul (in prison) and said, “Be encouraged, Paul. Just as you have been a witness to me here in Jerusalem, you must preach the Good News in Rome as well.”
In a challenging time, Jesus appeared with encouraging words. These are the same words he used with his disciples in John 16:33. “I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth, you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”
In Mark 6:49-51, in the dark night, during a storm, we read the same words of Jesus. “But when they saw him walking on the water, they cried out in terror, thinking he was a ghost. They were all terrified when they saw him. But Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage! I am here!” Then he climbed into the boat, and the wind stopped. They were totally amazed…”
In a dark and confusing time, God reminds us to not give up. Take heart! Be encouraged! Paul needed encouragement. Like Paul, we all need to be reminded to hang in there, to be strong and courageous.
Sometimes we think God must show up in big ways, providing eye-popping miracles! But sometimes we need to remember that God shows up in the little things as well. In this moment, God used a small method to bring about a big result.
If you read on in Acts 23, we discover that Paul’s nephew overheard an assassination plan and went to the fortress and told Paul and eventually the Roman commander. Who is this young man? How was it that he was in the right place at the right time? It’s a small thing…it’s a God thing.
The Roman commander gave his officers an order, “Get 200 soldiers ready to leave for Caesarea. Also take 200 spearmen and 70 mounted troops. Provide horses for Paul to ride and get him safely to Governor Felix.”
Do the math, over 470 men are escorting Paul to Caesarea. And Paul gets a couple of horses! Still think God is not looking out for Paul?
You may feel alone. You may feel like you are the only one striving to be faithful to God. You may feel like you can’t get a break. Take heart. Be encouraged…God sees you.
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Rex Stump is the Area Director for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and serves as a Pastor at True North Church in Wauseon, Ohio.