Through the Bible: ActsEgzanp

Victory Through Adversity

One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision: “Do not be afraid. Keep on speaking, do not be silent. For I am with you and no one is going to attack you and harm you, because I have many people in this city."

Acts 18:9-10 (NIV)

This is a very comforting promise of God, especially when seen in the light of the current circumstances in this world, where there are signs of hopelessness and gloom all around.

Paul was in a situation where he was facing severe opposition. Acts 18:6 demonstrates the state of mind that Paul was in. He obviously must have been in fear of what was happening. Hence the promise of the Lord saying, “Do not be afraid”.

Here the Lord does not say that Paul will not face opposition – but despite the opposition, they will not be successful in harming him. Isn’t that reassuring for us to know that it isn’t about the absence of opposition and struggles in life, and despite that, we are never alone because God is with us and walking us through it.

With this greatest comfort and strength, Paul remained in Corinth for one and a half years, preaching the word of God. That is victory.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, when everything else around me seems to be against me, help me to rest in the promise that You are a God who will never leave me nor forsake me, and that I’m never alone. In Jesus’ name, Amen.