Acts 18:9-11

Now the Lord spoke to Paul in the night by a vision, “Do not be afraid, but speak, and do not keep silent; for I am with you, and no one will attack you to hurt you; for I have many people in this city.” And he continued there a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them.

Acts 18:9-11

When you think about Paul, you picture a man who was fearless, tough as nails, nothing could stop him from serving the Lord. What you don’t think of is someone who is scared, worried, and considering giving up and not preaching.

But look at what the Lord tells him in a vision, “Don’t be afraid, don’t keep silent, no one is going to hurt you.” These obviously were real concerns of Paul’s. If it wasn’t Judiazers seeking to persecute him, it was the idol makers who wanted to kill him, upset about their loss of income.   Paul always seemed to be in danger of being stoned or being beaten, and thrown in jail. God’s encouragement to Paul was you’re not alone. “I am with you, and I have many people in this city.” And that’s all Paul needed to hear, because he stayed and ministered there for a year and a half, teaching the word of God.

Maybe the idea of witnessing to those in your city, neighborhood, place of employment, or family has you shaking in your boots. Get out there and speak up! You’re not alone. The Lord is with you and He has many others out there with you as well.

Pastor Doug Hardin