Sandy’s Devotional

DEVOTIONAL

The dispute became so violent that the commander was afraid Paul would be torn to pieces by them. He ordered the troops to go down and take him away from them by force and bring him into the barracks. The following night the Lord stood near Paul and said, “Take courage! As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome.” (Acts 23:10,11)

“Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” (Hebrews 4:16)

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. (2 Corinthians 12:9)

Paul had suffered many afflictions and pain.  He had been imprisoned before and was freed miraculously.  This time, he was scourged and suffering – yet, the Lord didn’t release him, rather personally visited him. “We often demand that Jesus deliver us out of our circumstances, when He wants to meet us right in them.   We sometimes think we are surrendering to Jesus when we are really only demanding an escape.  God wants to meet us in whatever we face at the moment.” (Guzik)  

Several years ago, a mother had been told by doctors that her baby would be blind and perhaps suffer from brain damage.  She asked whether this was true and whether she should abort.  I told her that I didn’t know what would be the outcome with the child’s health  – but I could promise that God would give her the grace in her time of need.  I could promise that God would be with her and support her.  Her son was born visually impaired and suffered from hypo tonicity. Despite his special needs, he became ‘the family mascot,’ was dearly beloved by his six siblings. He brought this family to faith in a loving and caring God. What seemed to be a misery was transformed into a mercy.   We cannot grasp why we must suffer, but we can always be assured that God’s power is available to us.  God’s mercy is always sufficient. Jesus stood by Paul – and will stand by anyone who will welcome Him and hear His words “ Take courage.”