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“Don’t be afraid, but keep on speaking and don’t be silent.  For I am with you….”  Acts 18:9b-10a (ESV)

Takes courage to stand on truth….takes nothing to join in with the crowd.  Takes strength to persevere for claiming truth….takes nothing to stay silent.  Easy to avoid tough subjects……hard to tackle convictions.  Takes love to share truth when hate relishes preferences.

Paul was a man who boldly defied God’s truth.  He was the ring leader in driving out those who claimed Jesus was the Son of God.  He fought hard, tough and diligently to ensure what he had been taught silenced these Jesus followers.  Standing among the crowd, Paul watched the stoning of Stephen and later ravaged the church sending men and women to prison. He had no sympathy, grace or compromise on his perceived truth until he had an encounter with God on the road to Damascus.  In the presence of God’s light, Paul finally realized the truth and he never looked back. An unbelievable transformation from Jesus hater to passionate Jesus follower.

Despite beatings, hardships, shipwreck, and imprisonment, Paul didn’t stray from the truth. The once ring leader of persecution had become the life others sought to extinguish.  Over and over again, Paul shared his conversion story and none without the painting of who he once was.  He was no longer devoted to tradition, a gathering or a religion – Paul was committed to His God.  He stood firmly and courageously.  He persevered and never chose silence.  Paul tackled the tough stuff filled with God’s grace and love.  He surrendered to the hard, narrow road rather than revert back to the preferences he once held dear.

What truths are we standing on?  Are we willing to boldly proclaim God’s truth and set aside our preferences?  What do we truly believe?  And if we don’t know what we believe are we willing to make a commitment to dive deep into God’s words so we can grasp His truths? And the ultimate question:  what will we do with what we know?

Love the way God ministered to Paul and encouraged him to not be afraid.  I believe He says the same to us:  “Keep speaking and sharing the truth; don’t be silent.  For I am with you.”

“Father, we are never more beautiful than when we proclaim the truths of Your word.  Help us to courageously stand firm and graciously draw others closer to You.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life