The Lord Stood By Him

Paul went to Jerusalem, and he ended up bound in prison just like the Holy Spirit had revealed to him and to others. However, after being falsely accused and imprisoned, he was not discouraged, because the Lord Jesus Himself stood by Paul and said, "Be of good cheer."(Acts 23:11) That is God's promise to all believers. He will never leave us or forsake us. He will be there for us, like he walked in the fire with the three Hebrew young men in the furnace. What a Savior!

Once we come to know Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior of our lives, His presence is with us at all times, and the Holy Spirit lives in us to direct us. However, as we are faithful to obey Him, and to walk in paths that lead to suffering and pain, He is with us in a special way. He even comes to us in bodily form at times and speaks to us directly about His will for us. You may doubt this, because it has not happened to you. Maybe it has not happened to you because you haven't faithfully obeyed Him to walk into one of those dangerous places for Him. Maybe He hasn't asked you to go there, because you haven't been faithful in the little things, so He knows He can't trust you with the bigger challenges. Whatever the case. Do not doubt. Jesus is faithful to His disciples who follow Him into the fires of persecution. He will be there for you to cheer and to guide. The sweetest times of fellowship come when things really get difficult.

Tomorrow, I intend to read Acts 24-26.

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