In Trouble? You’re not alone

Acts 23:10-11 (NIV) 
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.”

When I was studying full-time and reading in the library, I would, from time-to-time stumble across unbelievable stories in the history archives. In 2012, a lawyer by the name of Serhiy Vlasenko broke into a prison by crawling under a fence in an attempt to free the former president of Ukraine. There is something so powerful and touching about someone coming to meet us in a dark situation. We still might not like where we are, but it’s so much easier when we’re not alone.

On one of the many occasions when Paul was thrown into jail for preaching the good news, he received a visit from the Lord himself. I like to imagine the prison cell entirely transformed in that moment. I wonder if Paul might have asked the Lord if he had a key to let him out? For some reason, the Lord wanted Paul to stay in prison, but he, Jesus, was staying there too. 

I want to know the Lord in a way that means I will stay anywhere he is, even if that place is uncomfortable. The image of the Lord standing near Paul, perhaps with a hand on his shoulder brings me so much comfort. As long as the Lord is with us, we will be ok.

I hope this week has encouraged you and given you a way of thinking about trouble and comfort. A final note on our word of the week - tharseō (take heart). It is a command said in gentleness and love. We would be wise to listen to the One who speaks it - and then obey.

Today hear the words of Jesus, tharseō ‘Take heart, I am with you even until the end of the age’.

Prayer - Jesus thank you that your presence is enough to lift my spirits and strengthen my soul. Every trouble will one day pass away but you remain forever. Come and visit me today, Holy Spirit.