S. Acts 18:9 “One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision: ‘Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent. For I am with you, and no one is going to harm you, because I have many people in this city.”
O. God encouragd Paul to not be afraid and to keep speaking not being silent. God had many people who needed to hear Paul’s the gospel through Paul’s preaching. Two verses later there is a united attack on Paul. God knew it was coming and refreshed Paul’s vision encouraging him to keep going and work through the opposition. NO ONE is going to harm you!
A. God encourages us often when we may need it most. Paul was making progress. People were coming to know Christ and churches were being planted. There was a heavy dose of opposition by some unbelieving Jews - yet God had people in this city. I take that to mean that there were people that God knew would listen to Paul and likely give their life to Christ.
I have had experiences similar to this. Not personal attacks on me physically, but the enemy trying to discourage me and keep me off balance through events that happen in my life (busy schedule, family life, negative thoughts that run through my mind, etc.) Yet I have heard the Lord very clearly in continuing to preach and not be silent. God has people in the Newaygo area that need to hear the Gospel of Jesus and He desires to use me to do this.
P. Thank you Father for this word today. Thank you Jesus for how you spoke to Paul, encouraged him and how you speak to me, encouraging me. Holy Spirit fill me and guide me to boldly continue to lead, preach and mentor those you bring to me in Jesus’ name!
