Acts 23 “Be Of Good Cheer”
“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.’” (v.11)
Paul was
once again a prisoner in chains and we see a hint that he felt like hope was
fading. He would have been remembering those who had warned him "not to go
up to Jerusalem" (Acts 21:12). He had gone, but his decision now seemed
less sure, because going had led to confinement and isolation, which left
little opportunity for him to speak of His Lord.
It was at
this low point in his life that the Lord appeared and told him, “Be of good
cheer; you must also witness at Rome.” Loose translation, Paul would not
"rot" in that place but instead, would eventually be sent to the
capitol of the Roman Empire and witness to Cesar.
The Lord
has a plan for ALL his children who are in the difficult circumstances in this life.
No matter WHAT happens “be of good cheer”, for the Lord LOVES you and will
never leave you, nor forsake you! And, He has a plan for your life.
The Truth
“The Lord
of hosts is
with us; The God of
Jacob is
our refuge.” (Psalm 46:7)
