The Acts of Disciples
They Hear God Speak – Part I
Scripture Reading: Acts 18:1-11
Key Verses: Acts 18:9-10
One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision: “Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent. For I am with you, and no one is going to attack and harm you, because I have many people in this city.”
According to today’s Key Verses, the Lord spoke to the Apostle Paul in a way that he had no doubt it was the Lord.
The Lord knew Paul needed a little encouragement and a boost in his courage. Paul had been beaten and run out of most of the towns that he ministered in. That likely made Paul dreadful of what might happen in Corinth, where he was at the time that this word came from the Lord. God was faithful to Paul and encouraged him maybe even before Paul knew himself how much he needed it.
Have you ever had a time when you felt discouraged or fearful, and your Bible reading for that day was exactly what you needed to read? I imagine that you have.
I just had a moment like that myself. I was having thoughts of doubt and before I could even pray about it, my Bible reading for that morning was just what I needed. Of course, I do not get this strong revelation every day that I read my Bible.
Encouragement from the Lord did not come to the Apostle Paul every night. Just like for Paul, God knows when we need these moments of extra encouragement from Him.
The Bible is clear that God’s people walk by faith. Do not demand that God prove Himself. Our Scripture for today does not say that Paul demanded that God let him know that he was going to be okay; God showed up and helped Paul because Paul had been faithful to walk in faith.
Read God’s Word (the Bible) and trust what it says to us. God expects us to walk in faith and not demand big emotional revelations. The good news is, if we are faithful and despite our lack of feelings, God knows when we need support from Him. God has a way to break through the dark clouds and shine on us just when we need it most.
Let me remind you that God’s Word tells us that He forgives us, loves us, and does not condemn us because we are in Christ Jesus. Cling to these truths no matter how you “feel”, and God will fill you up when your faith is running on empty.
Father, I praise You for the many promises You make to me. Help me to hold on to them when I cannot hear You or feel Your presence. In Jesus’s Name I pray, amen.