“One night, the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision, ‘Do not be afraid, but speak and do not be silent; for I am with you, and no one will lay a hand on you to harm you, for there are many in this city who are my people.’   In the short passage of Acts 18, Paul’s covered ground from Athens to Corinth to Cenchrea. Then sailed to Ephesus, and took another boat to Caeserea. From there, he traveled through the regions of Galatia and Phrygia, all the while “strengthening all the disciples.”   As Paul was greatly on the move, he not only was warmly received by the community of believers along the way, but in some places, he was also faced with continual and substantial resistance from those within the religious ranks. In the face of this opposition, the Lord spoke to him concerning his marching orders. “Do not be afraid, but speak and do not be silent.”  It is easy to cower in the face of opposition, yet Paul was reassured by the Lord as he spoke with conviction and authority. “I am with you.” And if God is for us, who can be against us? The words of  Joshua 1:9 echo through this theme…”Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”   Paul encountered resistance, engaged the detractors, encouraged the believers and trusted the Lord for the results. Lord, help me to respond similarly. May my words be wise and strong, May my confidence be not in my own understanding and strength, but in Your authority. May I sense your encouragement and seek to be an encouragement to others, wherever my journeys take me.  

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