(Read Acts 18:9-11)
This morning we continue our series “Grace that is Simply Amazing.” After Paul got tired of the constant pushback he was receiving from the Jews, and He resolved to focus his efforts on the Gentiles, things started going very well for the Apostle. I told you yesterday how Paul stayed with Titius Justus, a Gentile believer who lived next door to the local synagogue. While staying with Titius Paul was able to minister to the leader of the synagogue next door. The synagogue leader and his entire household were saved and baptized. I am sure Paul was very thankful for what happened next.
One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision and told him, “Don’t be afraid! Speak out! Don’t be silent! For I am with you, and no one will attack and harm you, for many people in this city belong to me.” These words had to bring true comfort to a man who had known nothing but opposition since the day he accepted God’s call to preach. He was first rejected by the believers in Damascus, then rejected by the Apostles in Jerusalem, and then, after three years in exile, he finally got a breakthrough when Barnabas came to visit him and invite him to get started in ministry. But his first missionary journey, while successful, was also full of opposition, strife, danger, fighting and pain. His second missionary journey was no different until he got to Corinth.
It seemed like the Lord was saying, “I know your frustrations, you have been sowing seed for a while, even in the midst of staunch opposition, but now I am going to allow you to reap a harvest and enjoy a season of unopposed blessing.” Paul was very thankful that he was going to experience a season without all the attacks he was unwillingly growing accustomed to. So Paul stayed in Corinth for the next year and a half, teaching the word of God.
So what does this mean to you today? A few things:
1. God wants people to know that His Son Jesus is the answer. After 2,000 years Jesus Christ is still the answer to whatever your problem is. He is the answer to the weary, and He gives them rest. He is the answer to the discouraged, and He gives them hope. He is the answer to the lost, and He gives them direction. He is the answer to the self-absorbed, and He gives them divine purpose to keep them humble. No matter what you are facing this morning, no matter how big the challenge, how strong the opposition, or how heavy the pressure, Jesus is the answer! Look to Jesus! He will help you to not just endure, but overcome anything you are facing.
2. God wants us to tell the world about Jesus, regardless of the opposition we face. The Lord told Paul not to be afraid, to continue to speak out, and to resist the urge to be silent. God wanted Paul to tell the world about His Son Jesus and He wants us to do the same. Paul later wrote, “I am not ashamed of the Gospel about Jesus the Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes” (Rom 1:16). Are you ashamed or will you tell the world about the Jesus who saved you and changed you forever?
3. We live our lives out in seasons. Not every season of our life in the same. Paul lived a season where he was fighting against Christ and the church. Then he lived a season where he was all alone, in exile. He then lived a season where he was preaching the Gospel successfully in Antioch. But then the Lord stretched him and sent him on a couple of difficult missionary journeys. Afterwards, after having endured tremendous opposition from the Jews, the Lord allowed Paul to enjoy a season without opposition in Corinth. So, if you don’t like the season you are in, don’t worry, keep living, it will change!
4. God gives us grace for every season. While it is true that we live our lives out in seasons, and it is true that some seasons are harder than others, it is also true that God gives us Grace for every season. In challenging times the Lord gives us the Grace to keep going. In good times the Lord gives us the Grace to accept every success humbly, so that we don’t cross over into pride. So, no matter what season of your life you are in right now — good or bad, up or down, easy or hard — God has Graced you to make the most of it. Embrace God’s Grace and enjoy this season!
Closing Confession: Father, I thank You for sending Jesus to die in my place. He was completely innocent and I was unquestionably guilty. Jesus had no sin in Him, and You made Him sin. I had no righteousness in me, and You made me righteous. Jesus took my sin so that I could take His righteousness. Not only that, but Jesus has also helped me face and overcome every challenge in life. After 2,000 years, I am convinced that Jesus the Christ is still the answer to a dark and dying world. I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus the Christ and I willingly share the Gospel with every person You lead me to. Now that I am in Christ and Christ is in me, I am able to enjoy every season of my life. Some seasons will be harder than others, but I have Your divine Grace on my life to enjoy every season. No matter what I face, I face it with hope and Grace, knowing that I do not have to face it alone. You are with me every step of the way and Your presence brings me peace. Thank You Father for helping me to enjoy life every day and in every way! I declare this by faith. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
This is Today’s Word! Apply it and Prosper.
