Words of Strength

Love the LORD, all you his saints! The LORD preserves the faithful but abundantly repays the one who acts in pride. Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for the LORD! (Psalm 31:23-24 ESV). The Book of Acts tells the story of the spread of Christianity in the first century. We see the first disciples of Christ as they preach, teach, and minister in the name of Christ. One would think that this would be a story of great triumph and peace. It was anything but that! One of the first scenes is that of Stephen being stoned to death because of his faith with Saul of Tarsus looking on, holding the cloaks of those throwing the stones. Later we know this man as the Apostle Paul who takes the gospel throughout the Roman Empire facing the same trials and dangers as the Jerusalem apostles. In one experience we see Paul preaching in Jerusalem, and being arrested, he ends up locked up in a cold, damp, dark prison cell. For many people this might have signaled the end of his ministry. There have been many people who were discouraged by less. The question we ought to be asking is why? What made the difference? We have a clue when Luke writes, 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 ESV). In Scripture, whenever an angel of the Lord would appear and say, "Fear not," it was usually because someone was afraid at that given moment. So I conclude that when the Lord himself told Paul, "Be of good courage," he needed a special word of encouragement at that particular moment. it is important to note that “the Lord stood by him.” Sometimes, it may seem as though the Lord is the only one standing by us. But if everyone else had abandoned Paul, Jesus was company enough. If all others despised him, the smile of Jesus was approval enough. Though his circumstances were less than ideal, I am sure Paul knew that it was better to be in jail with the Lord than anywhere else without Him. He understood what it meant to “wait on the Lord.” Our reading is such an encouragement as we face the challenging experiences of life. We can be assured that Jesus is with us at every step of our lives. Whatever or wherever that prison is in your life, Jesus is standing by you. And He is saying, "Be of good courage." He has already conquered our greatest enemy. There is no death awaiting the children of God. Jesus has won the victory over death and whatever “sting” it might have had in our lives! Be of good courage! Be strong!