Key Verse: "Then spake the Lord to Paul in the night by a vision, Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace:" - Acts 18:9 KJV
After leaving Athens, Paul travels to Corinth, a large and influential city known for its commerce, wealth, and moral corruption. Paul begins his ministry there by working with Aquila and Priscilla, fellow tentmakers. He supports himself through his trade while continuing to preach the gospel. As usual, Paul faces opposition. Some reject his message, but others believe. Among them is Crispus, the ruler of the synagogue, who believes in the Lord with his entire household.
Yet Paul's ministry appears to reach a point where he needs encouragement.
And God provides it.
One night, the Lord speaks to Paul in a vision:
“Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace.”
Then comes the reason Paul can be courageous:
“For I am with thee.”
That is the heart of God's encouragement.
God does not tell Paul that there will be no opposition. He tells him that He will be with him in the middle of it.
What a difference that makes.
We often want God to remove every difficult circumstance. Sometimes He does. But sometimes His answer is not, “I will take the difficulty away.”
His answer is:
“I am with thee.”
That was enough for Paul.
He stayed in Corinth for a year and six months, teaching the Word of God.
Think about the significance of that.
Paul wasn't simply passing through. He stayed and patiently taught the people, establishing and strengthening the church.
God had “much people” in that city, even before Paul could see the results.
This should encourage us when we look at our own surroundings and wonder whether our efforts make any difference.
We may see a difficult culture, hardened hearts, or people who seem uninterested in spiritual things.
But God sees people we cannot yet see.
There may be people around us whom God is preparing to reach through our testimony, our kindness, our prayers, or our willingness to speak about Christ.
Our responsibility is to be faithful.
God handles the results.
Life Application
- Don't let fear silence your testimony
- Remember that God's presence is greater than opposition
- Be willing to remain faithful over the long term
- Trust that God is working even when you cannot see the results
- Use your ordinary work and circumstances as opportunities to serve God
Prayer
Lord, when I become discouraged or afraid, remind me of Your promise: “I am with thee.” Give me courage to speak when You give me an opportunity and strength to remain faithful when results are slow. Help me trust that You are already working in the hearts of people around me. May I never allow fear to keep me silent when I should speak for You. Amen.
