One of the most frequent exhortations given to God’s people from Genesis to Revelation (if not the most frequent!) is “do not fear,” in one form or another.

To Abraham, as he walked blindly into the land of Canaan: “Do not be afraid… I am your shield (Genesis 15:1).”

To Israel, as they stood between the Red Sea and the armies of Egypt: “Fear not, stand firm, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will work for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall never see again. The LORD will fight for you, and you have only to be silent (Exodus 14:13–14).”

To Joshua, as he prepared to enter the land of Canaan: “Be strong and courageous… the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go (Joshua 1:9).”

To Israel, in exile: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. For I am the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior (Isaiah 43:1-3).”

Again and again, God reassures His people that they can take courage because His good purposes are unstoppable and His powerful presence will never leave them. This week, as Paul sits in chains in the dark awaiting his fate, he receives the same encouragement and reassurance of the Lord’s purposes and presence.

…the Lord stood by him and said, “Take courage, for as you have testified to the facts about me in Jerusalem, so you must testify also in Rome (Acts 23:11).”

One of the reasons we gather weekly is to encourage one another to keep entrusting ourselves to the Lord Jesus who not only sovereignly orders our lives according to His good and wise purposes, but promises never to leave or forsake us along the way.

This Sunday, Randy Gruendyke will be preaching Acts 22:30-23:35 and Walt Harrah will be leading us in sung worship. Would you pray for each as they prepare?

See you Sunday, Grace. Come hungry!

 

Song of the Week

All My Ways Are Known to You by CityAlight

Open up my eyes so I may see
That You have made these ways for me
Open up my eyes so I may see
That You my God, will walk with me