Embrace the Race: Persevering Through Challenging TimesSample

Centered in God's Will

I am convinced the safest place to be is in the center of God's will. Paul already knew it was God's will for him to go to Rome in chains. The Holy Spirit had spoken it to him personally and also through the prophet, Agabus. It didn't matter how much the Jews wanted to kill him; they would not be able to succeed because Paul had not yet finished the work God had called him to do. 

In Acts 23:11, the Lord came to Paul in the night and stood right beside him to remind him of this truth. Can you imagine people so desperate to kill you that it would make the commander, or an army, afraid? I can only imagine what Paul must have been feeling that night. Although he knew God was in control, the human side of him must have been fearful he would die and never make it to Rome. Sometimes amid challenging circumstances, we can forget God is still with us. The Lord spoke to Paul to take courage. 

When we are in the center of God's will, we do not need to fear. Fear will always keep us from stepping out in faith. The Lord was reminding Paul he was in these chains for a purpose and he should take courage. The religious leaders thought Paul was there to testify in court about the charges against him, but God planned to give him the audience of all the religious leaders to testify about Jesus. He was in chains so he could have an opportunity to testify about Jesus to those who would have never stopped to hear him. 

Daily Challenge:

Renounce any unhealthy patterns of fear in your life. Ask God to fill you with his love and peace and remind you he is in control.