Blog
If you have questions about how real, how present, how personal and intimate the Lord is, then just read six words of travelogue in Luke’s journal as he traveled with Paul.
But on the night immediately following, the Lord stood at his side and said, “Take courage; for as you have solemnly witnessed to My cause at Jerusalem, so you must witness at Rome also.” (Acts 23:11, emphasis mine)
“The Lord stood at his side” is not a figure of speech but the simple telling of an actual, physical moment. It was like someone standing by you. Jesus knew his servant needed literal, physical encouragement, so He came to him. If His presence were not enough, He spoke to him. He approved of Paul’s bold witness in Jerusalem but now gave him direction for the future. He was to “witness at Rome also.”
His travel arrangements for God’s will were going to be booked by the Roman army, with chains, for he was booked as a prisoner. But this did not matter. In fact, if he was bound to Roman soldiers, it provided an unending opportunity for witness to at least two men. Nothing could delight Paul more.
In the next two years, Paul would speak to rulers and leaders and, history says, even to Ceasar himself in Rome. God gave Paul insight into where he was headed, and this understanding gave Paul the courage he needed.
God meets us where we are and gives us what we need. If we are surrendered to His will—going where He desires and telling the news that must be told for others to be saved—He will form our steps and make our travel plans. And just when we begin to falter, He will meet us in every needed way to pour courage into our souls.
Copyright © 2025 by Bill Elliff @ billelliff.org. No part of this article may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from Lifeword.org