The phrases jumped off the web page, and I gasped.
Not that I hadn’t learn the story earlier than. In truth, in my 4 many years of studying the Bible, I’d in all probability learn this specific story not less than a dozen occasions, if no more.
Even so, the phrases learn just like the crisp pages of a brand new e book first opened. How had I missed them earlier than?
The next night time the Lord stood close to Paul and stated, ‘Take braveness! As you’ve gotten testified about me in Jerusalem, so you will need to additionally testify in Rome.”
Acts 23:11 (NIV)
In the course of verse 11 sits 4 easy phrases that rocked my world:
The Lord stood close to . . .
For greater than a month, I’ve been learning the e book of Acts. Within the chapters and verses main as much as this one, the creator of the e book of Acts — Luke, the doctor — detailed the beginning of the early church and the eventual conversion and ministry of a man named Paul. By the point we land in chapter 23, Paul’s been on two prolonged, gospel-sharing, missionary journeys in Asia and Japanese Europe. Now he’s returned to Jerusalem and church leaders with a blinding report of the rising Church.
The issue? Not everybody was dazzled. Religious Jews believed he was comprising their religion. Threatened by his testimony that Jesus was the Christ, the Messiah God had at all times promised, they decided to silence him. I think they had been afraid of his affect, because it was quickly outpacing theirs.
Thus, a choose and influential group of leaders began to unfold rumors about Paul’s character, stirring up all types of controversy round his ministry. In truth, it grew so heated the Roman authorities needed to intervene, throwing Paul behind bars for his personal security.
And that’s once I learn these 4 phrases.
The Lord stood close to . . .
At nighttime of an unjust jail, God got here. Paul had been doing all the pieces proper. Following God on harrowing and exhausting journeys, preaching the excellent news of Jesus to strangers, exhibiting love and compassion and concern for God’s individuals and the church. Even so, despite his tireless and brave efforts, he ended up in jail whereas those that unfold lies remained free.
I hate to interrupt it to you, however life isn’t honest. I’m guessing you already know this. Studying your Bible and going to church don’t assure a superb life. And when life doesn’t end up like we hoped, our intuition is to discover a motive for our ache. Perhaps an evidence will deliver aid to the injustice.
Did I do one thing incorrect?
Is God mad at me?
Why gained’t He do one thing?
On the different finish of those questions, nonetheless, sit much more ache and imprisonment. Because it seems, what we want greater than causes and explanations is Presence.
The type of love that stands close to.
The next night time the Lord stood close to Paul and stated, “Take braveness!”
When our greatest and most honest efforts land us with lackluster outcomes, we are able to belief that the One who loves us most hasn’t left us to go it alone. He stands with us in our prisons, retains watch over us in our nights. He isn’t delay by our ache, however attracts nearer nonetheless, whispering in our ears: “Take braveness, sister! You’re not alone! My love goes with you, even right here.”
I’m unsure what surprising and unfair circumstance you’ve discovered your self in at present, however this I do know for sure:
We have now a God whose Love can’t be blocked by bars or partitions. It doesn’t matter what injustice or unfairness you face, He’s extra highly effective nonetheless. And He won’t go away you till He accomplishes all He’s deliberate for you.
His is a Love that stands close to. Not since you’ve earned it, however as a result of His love can’t assist it.
When our best and most sincere efforts land us with lackluster results, we can trust that the One who loves us most hasn’t left us to go it alone. -@MicheleCushatt: Click To Tweet
