SWHW Bible Reading Plan: May 2021Sample

Top Takeaway From Jess Hatton: 

“The following night the Lord stood by him and said, ‘Take courage, for as you have testified to the facts about me in Jerusalem, so you must testify also in Rome.’” Acts 23:11

I can’t help but wonder if Paul started to doubt his decision to continue on to Jerusalem after ignoring his friends’ warnings to not go. He was in Jerusalem in a prison cell while a plot to kill him was being formed, which would normally cause anyone to doubt their course or wonder where God was. 

In the past God had miraculously opened prison doors (Acts 5:17-21, 12:1-11, and 16:23-30) to protect his witnesses from harm, but now that doesn’t happen. There is no escape plan. Rather than rescuing Paul from prison, the Lord provides His abiding presence and strengthening encouragement. 

He reassures Paul that being in Jerusalem was not only the right course of action, but that Paul will also be called to share the gospel in Rome in much the same way that he had in Jerusalem. Paul had not been abandoned by the Lord. 

In many ways we can remember this when we are in tough circumstances. Can the Lord rescue us from tragic and terrible circumstances? Yes. Can he still work miracles? Absolutely. But, sometimes it’s more important that God provides His presence and encouragement that equips us for the future tasks He has in store for us. 

Paul remained in prison for the next two years, and during that time I’m sure that Paul often reflected on the encouragement and confidence found from the Lord that night in the Jerusalem prison cell. Sometimes, rather than rescuing you, God will stand beside you and provide His support while you’re going through a hard time because He knows that the endurance you need to go forward is found in that moment. In that moment, Paul was enabled to withstand imprisonment that would last for years and eventually be able to faithfully share the gospel in Rome. 

Lord, we humbly ask for Your guidance and direction as we make decisions in our lives. Thank You for Your presence and support in our lives, and help us remember that You are here with us during both easy times and hard ones. Let us be constantly reminded that Your plan prevails and help us to submit to it. Encourage us and equip us to endure hard times and give us the strength to carry forth the mission of Your gospel.  Amen.