But the following night the Lord stood by him and said, “Be of good cheer, Paul; for as you have testified for Me in Jerusalem, so you must also bear witness at Rome.”
Acts 23:11 NKJV
Question
Where do you need to hear Jesus say, “Be of good cheer” today?
Context
Paul was in a difficult and frightening situation. He had been arrested in Jerusalem, faced angry crowds, and was now surrounded by opposition and uncertainty. Yet in the middle of the night, Jesus anppeared and stood beside him. The Lord did not promise Paul that the trouble would immediately disappear. Instead, He gave Paul something greater: His presence and a purpose to continue.
Application
Paul had every reason to be discouraged. He had preached faithfully, yet he was imprisoned. He had obeyed God, yet he was facing opposition. But Jesus reminded him that his story wasn’t over.
Maybe you are in a season where you feel surrounded by problems, uncertain about the future, or discouraged by what isn’t going the way you hoped. Remember what Jesus told Paul: “Be of good cheer.” The word used in the Greek means to take courage or to have confidence.
God knows what He is doing and where He is taking you. Your present difficulty does not cancel God’s future purpose. You may not know what tomorrow holds, but you can know who holds tomorrow. The same Lord who stood beside Paul stands with you today.
Don’t give up because the road is difficult. Don’t assume God has abandoned you because life isn’t going according to plan. His presence is still with you, and His purpose is still at work.
Truth for the Day
God’s presence gives us courage to keep going when circumstances give reasons to quit.
Pray
Lord, thank You that I never face difficult circumstances alone. When I am discouraged, remind me that You are near. Give me courage when I am afraid, faith when I cannot see the way forward, and strength to remain faithful to the purpose You have given me. Give me courage to keep going. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
