But the Lord stood by me and strengthen to me, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. So I was rescued from the Lions mouth. 2 Timothy 4:17
Paul spoke truth. He was bold and courageous. God stood by Paul when no human would.
In Acts 23 verse 11, it says 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. “ Paul was anxious and nervous about what was about to happen to him. It looked as he might be killed in Jerusalem. His plans to take Christ message to Rome and further west might never be shared. Got appears to him at the Critical time to encourage him. God reassures him that he will share Christ message Rome.
In Acts 18 verses nine through 10, God tells Paul not to be afraid. People were starting to not like Paul’s message. Paul, being human, struggled with fears and doubts. He struggled with should he continue to speak or keep silent. Even Elijah and Jeremiah struggle with these feelings. God encouraged Paul in his time of need. God’s promise of his presence and protection. There should be enough to comfort and relieve their fears and provide peace and assurance. In verse 10, God says, “ for I am with you. “ God is there with his faithful followers. God personally communicates his desires and purposes. His presence gives us followers a great sense of his love. It gives them a deeper relationship with him. In the Old Testament, God was with his faithful people. He was with Moses when he was afraid to return to Egypt. He was with Joshua when he became the leader. God will not leave nor for sake his children.
In Acts 27:24 says , “ and he said, ‘ do not be afraid, Paul; you must stand before Ceasar. And behold, God has granted you all those who still with you. “. Again, here God is reassuring Paul not to be afraid because God is with him. His hand is in the mind of Paul situation.
God was with Moses, Jeremiah, Elijah, Joshua, and Paul. This is just a few to mention from the Bible. They were faithful men of God. God was with them. God is with us. When we are faithful, we don’t have to doubt if God is with us or not we know he is.
When you are afraid or in doubt, who do you turn to?
Do you believe that god is with you all the time?
Do you know that if you are a faithful follower of Christ, God will guide and protect you?
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for being a loving father. Thank you for always being with us. I pray that when we get afraid and doubt things, that we will be reminded that you are with us.
In Jesus Name
Amen
