Bulletproof Paul

Acts 23:11

The following night the Lord stood by [Paul] and said, “Take courage, for as you have testified to the facts about me in Jerusalem, so you must testify also in Rome.”

I wonder how often Paul thought back to these words in the years that followed. Paul had just been arrested in Jerusalem and given a bold testimony concerning Christ. Surrounded by angry mobs and power thirsty Roman officials, Paul’s life is in serious danger. Yet in the midst, he received this command from Jesus, “Take courage.” The basis for this courage is implied in the words that follow, “For as you have testified to the facts about me in Jerusalem, so you must testify also in Rome.” What Jesus said must take place must come to be. Though evil men threaten his life, he was invincible until he testified in Rome.

In the years that followed before Rome: He was arrested, but not found guilty. He was chained, but they did not keep him from traveling closer to Rome. He was shipwrecked, but the sea did not swallow him. He was bitten by a viper, but he did not die. What is promised by God becomes.

During those trials, I wonder if Paul remembered the promise from Jesus. What peace was afforded him! He knew whatever the circumstance, he would endure to till he testified. Though we don’t have specific promises like that directly from Jesus, we do have promises from God that we can cling to. Perseverance of the saints to the end, all things working to the good for those who love God, God completing a good work in us; all are promises we can cling to and know that nothing is going to keep them from coming to be.

We have seen God’s faithfulness in very real ways in the days leading to this trip. In our travel days alone we have continually seen provision for small things that easily slip under the radar in other spheres. Travel safety, hotel rooms, a good friend’s welcome, meals all take on new meaning when we’re looking for God’s hand in them. I think Paul may have been able to chalk up many “coincidences” to favorable judges, experienced seamen, or venom immunity. But if we’re keeping an eye out for God, we’ll see him more often and be more apt to respond in praise and gratitude for his provisions.

Pray for great God Sight(ings)!!!