'Do not be afraid, Paul. You must stand trial before Caesar; and God has graciously given you the lives of all who sail with you.' 25So keep up your courage, men, for I have faith in God that it will happen just as he told me.
(Acts 27:24-25, NIV)
The Apostle Paul began his life with the Lord Jesus Christ in a most dramatic way. He heard, saw and experienced the Lord in a most powerful tangible manner. That day on the road to Damascus changed his life forever. He was a fighter. He continued to fight, but since then – for a different cause. He received a new sight. One with a divine vision which led him into a courageous mission till the very end.
Throughout his accounts we can see he gave himself no rest. Living a life packed with one sole purpose of making Christ known, yet Paul stayed simple throughout – always rejoicing in the Lord as he rendered his selfless service. His strong unmovable faith always keeps me going in hard times. I love his tenacity and his enduring power; how he pursued his cause without any doubt but with such focus of the end. He was a man who watched the Word became alive; taking hold of the promise of God just as he had been told. No second thought.
In the book of John, the Word became flesh. Every word of God is a living word. It carries the full potential to become alive. It contains the breath of God – it’s fresh!
All of us were traveling along some road when we bumped into this Jesus. Our encounter may not be necessarily as dramatic as Paul’s. Ours may be seemingly normal, or it could be splashed with a colourful palate of experience. In reality, we’ve all come into a new life, having a new purpose, living for a new cause and fighting for what counts for eternity. Life may take us into different turns and junctions which appear dangerous and complicated. They lead to fear and confusion. Sometimes we wish there’s an easier route, or a jeep which will drive by so we can jump in and zoomed off the bumpy road. We wish! Most of the time, we have to walk through it and keep the courage just as Paul did. He wasn’t spared from the trials and hardships. In this verse, he knew for sure he had to face Caesar but he retained his composure and stood in confidence of God’s claim – because he had heard the trustworthy God.
Who or what is your “Caesar”? Are you afraid to face it?
We may be seen as the weaker gender in the world's eye but let us remember we are the King's daughters. Let us not be threatened by whatever opposition that comes our way seeking to dampen our spirit. Wait upon God’s deliverance just as He said it will be!
Gracious Lord, whenever I am afraid, remind me of Your presence. Even though I have to face certain challenges, I trust in You. My composure and confidence are in Christ. I will wait upon You, You’ll come. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
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