Faith & Love: A One Year Bible Reading Plan - Part 6Sample

Paul kept doing what God had called him to do and that's why he could stand tall in times that seemed impossible to us. You see, his faith in Jesus Christ determined his identity, not the circumstances in which he found himself.

In Acts 18:9, the Lord encouraged Paul by telling him not to be afraid to speak out because God is with him. He was aware of God's truth about his life so that he could, without fear, state his case.

I don't think he was trying to justify himself in front of his prosecutors; he took the opportunity to testify.

We can easily let circumstances get the upper hand when we don't understand our position in Christ. But it is easier to face hard times if we are anchored in God's love for us and it forms the basis of our identity.

Paul knew living as an Apostle of Christ wouldn’t always be easy, but he did not allow that to limit his joy. This is why he says in Romans 8:37, "But in all this, we are even more than conquerors through him who showed us his love."

We see God's favor in Paul's life. The governor's judgment was kind to Paul because not one of his people was prevented from caring for him.

Position yourself in Christ and understand your true identity, especially in difficult times.

How will your newly found Identity in Christ help you to face difficult situations in your everyday life?