Acts 23 - 5.5.25

Scripture

Acts‬ ‭23:11‬ ‭NIV‬‬

“The following night the Lord stood near Paul and said, “Take courage! As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome.””

Observation

Paul was before the Pharisees and Sanhedrin (again!), having to answer for his ministry in Jesus Christ. There was also a plot to kill him; however, before he learned of that plot, the Lord encouraged Paul to be courageous. He told him that he was still going to testify about Him in Rome. He didn’t want Paul to lose heart and told him he still had work to do.

Paul could have easily buckled under the weight of all the pressure on him. He could have easily been discouraged and decided to quit the mission because the journey was too hard. But, Paul didn’t quit. He kept pressing forward and having hope in the Lord to complete the mission. Why?  Because the Holy Spirit was in him and with him.

Application

Continue being filled with Holy Spirit and lean on His great faithfulness through the journey.

The journey of faith is not always easy, but when we are in line with God’s will, His Spirit will always provide the encouragement we need to continue pressing forward.

One of my goals several years ago was to memorize Ephesians 6:11-18, which is the passage on the armor of God. One particular part of the passage talks about putting on the full armor of God so that when the day of evil comes, we may be able to take our stand; but after we have done everything, just keep standing.

We cannot keep standing without the Holy Spirit. Also, continually being filled with His Spirit is not an option, but a must, especially when we understand who is warring against our spirit. Ephesians says that our struggle is against the rulers, authorities, powers of this dark world and the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. It is not just the B-team. It is the A-team heads of evil! The only One able to defeat them and the only One who they have no hold over is Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior! So why wouldn’t we want His Holy Spirit residing in us and being filled with Him everyday?

Are you facing an obstacle right now where you are tempted to throw in the towel? Read and memorize the armor of God in Ephesians 6 and be encouraged to stand firm in the Lord! Ask the Holy Spirit to fill You with His truth.

Prayer

Dear Lord, thank You for Your encouragement to keep standing firm, to keep pressing forward and to keep being on mission for You despite hardships and opposition. May we seek to always be filled with Your Holy Spirit so that we can withstand the pressures that come with living a life completely set apart for You. Amen.

-Michelle Gaddi