Do you need strength to continue? Christ is the solution

On the journey of life, it is always necessary to stop a little to strengthen yourself and then continue towards the destination. This pause is often involuntary. These are situations that arise as barriers to stop us a little. At times like health treatment, job changes or other crises, it may be an opportune time to renew your life and start a new stage in a different way.

Pablo was living in a moment like this. The persecution against his ministry grew so strong that he was arrested and this time it seemed like it would be the end. He had already faced the Sanhedrin and knew what they wanted to do with him. Right now he was alone in a cold and dark cell of a fortress. Perhaps this was his last night in his life.

In human eyes, Paul was held hostage by the political interests of the Romans and Jews. But he knew how to take advantage of this using his Roman citizenship since the Jews had already decided to kill him.

In fact, Paul knew that his life was not in the hands of men, but in the hands of God. I was prepared to die with Christ if I had to (Philippians 1:21). At this moment when Paul thought it was the end, Jesus appeared to him again to strengthen him.

Surely you've been through days like this. These are times when we don't know if we will have the strength to continue. The heart needs hope to live.

Do you need strength to continue?

Let's reflect on the words in this verse and see how Jesus strengthens us when we need it most:

1- Jesus is by your side: "the next night, the Lord, taking his side" v.11a

In the middle of the night, when he was alone in the damp darkness of the dungeon, Pablo feels a different presence with him. The Lord Jesus, whom he met on the road to Damascus, appeared to him there again when he most needed a companion.

It is interesting that Jesus was not in front of or on top of him, preferring to be by his side. With this gesture, Jesus was showing Paul that he was with him, shoulder to shoulder. This is characteristic of the person of Jesus Christ who left heaven to become human and die for sinners (Philippians 2.6-8).

Jesus is with you all the time, but when you need him most, he stands by your side so that "when you pass through the waters, I will be with you; when, by the rivers, they will not submerge you; when you pass through the fire, you will not you will not burn, nor will the flame burn in you. ”(Isaiah 43.2) In difficult times, He is even closer to helping you. Do you think you are alone?
Jesus is by your side right now!

2- Jesus speaks to you: "and said: Courage!" v.11b

Pablo recognized that firm and soft voice. Perhaps you felt something like the warmth of the Lord's breath speaking in your ear: VALUE! What a wonderful sound. The voice of Jesus who has authority over all things (Matthew 28.18) at this moment was giving him the order to have courage.

Paul's heart must have been filled at that time. Like an air balloon warming with his breath, his soul was composed with "the joy of the Lord is our strength" (Nehemiah 8:10). That word of Jesus was the strength that Paul needed.

A word from Jesus is enough to revive your life. God with his Word created all things. So what we need to have strength is to hear the voice of the Lord. Have you heard the voice of the Lord in your heart?

Pray and ask the Holy Spirit to speak to you!

3- Jesus guarantees that you continue: "because of the way you gave your testimony about me in Jerusalem, so it is important that you also do it in Rome" v.11c

Paul was in Jerusalem and had just testified of his conversion, so he was arrested. Jesus gave Paul a guarantee that this would not be his last night of life.

He would continue to preach. Just as Jesus helped him when he began his ministry, it would be to the end.

The Lord Jesus pointed out to Paul his destiny, which would be to bear witness to the gospel in Rome. Maybe I never thought it would go that far. Jesus' promise was fulfilled.

Jesus released Paul from a Jewish trap and was protected by "two hundred soldiers, seventy cavalry, and two hundred lancers" (Acts 23.23).

On his way to Rome he testified for Governor Felix and his wife Drusilla, for Governor Festus, and for King Agrippa and Queen Berenice. On the trip he survived a shipwreck and finally reached Rome where he had the opportunity to preach (Acts 28.22-29) and had a normal life "for two years, Pablo stayed in his own house, which he rented, where he received all who they sought, preached the kingdom of God and, without fear, without hindrance, taught things related to the Lord Jesus Christ "(Acts 28.30.31).

Jesus has a peace plan for you and if you live His purpose in your life, He guarantees you victory. Just as you showed Paul what you wanted from him, you can also reveal to him wherever you go by faith. And it can take you far beyond what you imagine because He "is able to do infinitely more than we ask or think, according to His power at work in us" (Ephesians 3:20).
Do you already know God's purpose for your life?
By living God's purpose, Jesus guarantees you victory!

Jesus helps you continue!

When you think that the journey is difficult and it discourages you, remember that Jesus is by your side, He speaks to your heart giving you courage and guarantees victory by showing his purpose for your life.