Day 15
Read: Acts 17-18
Introductions: Have you ever experienced pushback for your faith in Jesus? It could have been by a coworker, teacher, family member, or friend but in those times when your faith was challenged, what did you do? Or maybe you just have the fear of pushback. That is part of what sharing your faith in Jesus can be so hard. People either receive it or reject it. Our role is simply to tell others. The apostle Paul finds himself in situations when many place their faith in Christ and other times when he receives great pushback when people reject Jesus. In Acts 18 Paul is going to find himself in a situation when the Jews in Corinth sharply oppose him. Paul is clearly frustrated by the opposition that he experiences from the Jews in Corinth and directs his attention to the Gentiles in Corinth instead. During Paul’s frustration, God gave him a vision to strengthen him.
Acts 18:9-11
And the Lord said to Paul one night in a vision, “Do not be afraid, but go on speaking and do not be silent, for I am with you, and no one will attack you to harm you, for I have many in the city who are my people.” And he stayed a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them.
Think about it: One of the greatest evangelists of all time, the apostle Paul, had moments of frustration and fear when telling others about the gospel. God, knowing his pain and frustration, reaches down to him and encourages him. He tells Paul not to be afraid and to keep speaking the word. Paul is empowered by God when he needs it most. One of his weakest moments is when he is the strongest in Christ. Maybe you need to hear the same promise he received that day. Do not fear, and keep speaking the word, for God is with you. This is not just a promise for Paul, but God gave similar promises through Scripture for you and I today. God is with you and is for you!
Take away: God is with you and for you.