Take Courage

Press the play button to watch the video above or press 'more' to read the transcript of the daily devotion below. Please read Acts 22:30-23:11 (use your own Bible or use the link above to access the in-App Bible).

You may have read in the Advent Devotional that I wrote on Haggai, how the Lord spoke three times the words ‘Take courage’ to the people of Israel experiencing discouragement in rebuilding the temple. Fast forward and we find that the Lord is speaking these very same words again, this time to Paul. I wonder if this is a message that the Lord is giving us and church communities in these challenging times?

Paul here, finds himself in a place that none of us would choose, he’s in custody but temporarily released to appear before the Jewish High Council. He must have been fearful, discouraged, and misunderstood, finding his ministry stalled with little hope for the future. Yet, in this time of despondency, the Lord appears, stands right beside him and speaks the words he most needs to hear ‘Take courage…’ Not “must do better” or “work harder” but instead he’s gifted with the very presence and promise of Jesus. God is reassuring Paul that just as he has spoken about the Good News of Jesus Christ in Jerusalem, Paul must take courage and do the same in Rome.

It is the nearness of the Lord in our own difficult times which gives us the confidence to carry on, like Paul. It is trusting in the Lord’s promise that He will never forsake us and by the power of His Spirit we will overcome times of adversity. For courage comes from the knowledge and assurance that what God promises He will bring about.

So again, take courage…in whatever you are facing…the courage to keep on praying for what seems to be impossible. Take courage to forgive the person who has wronged you. Take courage to step out in faith for where the Lord is leading you. Take courage to trust that the Lord is at work in your life. And for the Church, may she take courage in believing and acting on the promise of Jesus that ‘…on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.’ (Matthew 16:18)

Let us pray: Lord Jesus, whatever I may be facing today may I hear the words “Take courage” and help me to be bold in my witness of your love, forgiveness and grace. Amen.