Happy Friday! There are many things in life that drives our fears. Many times our fears are formed by things we have no control over. In the Bible the word fear not is written 365 times. That means we can find it in a different place every day of this year. In Acts chapter 26 verse 22, Paul shares that God has protected him. Throughout the Bible we read how God has protected and provided for his people. Join me today as we continue to read Paul’s defense to King Agrippa.

Bible verse – Acts 26:19-23 NLT

“¹⁹ “And so, King Agrippa, I obeyed that vision from heaven. ²⁰ I preached first to those in Damascus, then in Jerusalem and throughout all Judea, and also to the Gentiles, that all must repent of their sins and turn to God—and prove they have changed by the good things they do. ²¹ Some Jews arrested me in the Temple for preaching this, and they tried to kill me. ²² But God has protected me right up to this present time so I can testify to everyone, from the least to the greatest. I teach nothing except what the prophets and Moses said would happen— ²³ that the Messiah would suffer and be the first to rise from the dead, and in this way announce God’s light to Jews and Gentiles alike.””

Reflection

As we have read throughout Acts, Paul’s life was often in danger because of his zeal to share the Good News with all those who would hear. Despite the plots against him, Paul remained steadfast in his faith and continued in obedience the work the Lord had called him to.

While Paul was beaten, left for dead, and imprisoned he never lost sight of the Lord’s instructions. The Lord protected Paul and used other people to come to his aide and to encourage him. Paul’s life wasn’t easy, the task he was called to wasn’t easy, but he trusted the Lord and never gave up hope.

Sisters and brothers, there will be many challenges that we face as we walk in obedience to Christ but let us remain/abide in Him. Let us rejoice about how God has protected us right up to this present time so we can testify to everyone, from the least to the greatest.

Questions to ponder:

• What are you fearful of right now?
• If your greatest fear came true, would the Lord still be with you?
• How can you leave those fears in the hands of the Lord – the One who is greater than all your fears?

Sisters and brothers, fears will paralyze you. Put your trust in the Lord and keep it moving… He has a plan and a purpose for you.

Isaiah 43:1b-3a reads:

“Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you.
    I have called you by name; you are mine.
² When you go through deep waters,
    I will be with you.
When you go through rivers of difficulty,
    you will not drown.
When you walk through the fire of oppression,
    you will not be burned up;
    the flames will not consume you.
³ For I am the Lord, your God,
    the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.”

Trust the Lord, our God to be with you…fear not – do not be afraid. The Lord is with us. He will give us wise counsel and discernment in every situation – let Him lead.

Prayer

Father God, thank you for your love and mercy. There is no other God- there never has been, and there never will be. You are the One we worship alone. Thank you for your continued favor on our lives. Thank you for sending your one and only son Jesus to save us from our sins and to reconcile us back to you. Lord, you alone are worthy of all glory and praise. Lord, we believe you will keep every promise written in the Word for our hope is in you. Forgive us of our sins (known and unknown). We are sorry for the times when we turned away from you and followed our own will or ill advice from others. Lord, transform our minds and align our hearts with Yours. Lord, continue to keep us in your perfect care. Remind us that you are with us, even when the enemy/Satan plots against us. Lord, we know you reign victoriously, cover your children and protect us from harm. Heal your nation, expose the wicked, open the eyes of the blind, humble us and bring us all to repentance and turn to you. Lord, help us to relinquish our fears and follow you no matter what lies ahead. In Jesus name, amen!

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