October 25, 2019: SOAP #3613:  Job 16; Acts 21-23

Scripture:  Acts (NIV) 23:10 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. 11 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.”

Observation:  Paul was in a precarious situation.  He was being mobbed and had to be rescued by Roman troops.

When the Lord appeared to Paul, He did not speak of Paul’s current troubles.  He did not promise that Paul would soon be restored.  God spoke to Paul about Paul’s future.  God gave him an assignment for his future!  This current situation would be cleared; Paul’s testimony was needed in Rome!  The Jews that were threatening Paul’s life would not be successful.  God had future plans for Paul!

Application:  When I think of God’s promise and assignment, I lose my fear of things around me.  What a waste of time to worry about my present troubles when I know that God has something for me to do in the future.  God does not need to explain to me how He is going to take care of my present difficulties; when I know He has future plans, I know He has a way to get me though the present to where I will need to be in the future!

Prayer:   Heavenly Father, it is good to know that there is no present situation that can hinder you from getting me to my future assignments. Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!