Acts 23:1-11
Reflect
Imprisoned, released, slapped, misunderstood, in the middle of a violent discussion, in danger of being torn to pieces, placed in barracks. What a day! Can you imagine how low and defeated Paul’s spirit would have been? I’m sure the worst day of our lives pales in comparison. At the end of a horrible day, we see God’s faithfulness in verse 11. “The following night the Lord stood near Paul and said, ‘take courage! As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must testify in Rome.’”
Paul’s life was all about glorifying the Lord through his behaviour and his beliefs, yet on this day he must have felt like a failure. But the Lord came to him and comforted him, letting him know that his testimony had been true, and he would have opportunity to testify in Rome as well.
Apply
Following Jesus will include difficult days where we are not even sure our testimony has been effective, but we can count on the comfort of our Lord and new opportunities ahead. God of all comfort, grant us courage, perseverance, and another chance!
Pastor Jerilyn
Pray
- Pray through the prayer section in our program.
- Pray for Karen Alksne, our Congregational Life Ministry Associate.
- Pray for our Congregational Life Pastor, Mike Bartusek and his family.
- Pray for our Hospitality Coordinator, Irene Dickau.