Be of Good Cheer

Today’s Through the Bible Reading: Acts 23:1-25:22

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28

Adversity and opposition presents opportunity for vision and victory, as seen in today’s Bible reading. Paul has been arrested, chained, falsely accused, interrogated, and has remained under house arrest for two years. This would be cause for discouragement! But Paul seizes the opportunity to continue to preach the gospel. Despite the fact that he was being treated unjustly, Paul knew that God was using the situation for good and had a plan and purpose in it all.

“But the following night the Lord stood by him and said, Be of good cheer, Paul; for as you have testified for Me in Jerusalem, so you must also bear witness at Rome.” Acts 23:11 NKJV

Jesus appeared to Paul in his time of difficulty and encouraged him by saying, in essence, “Don’t lose heart, Paul. I have a plan.” In tomorrow’s reading we’ll see that Paul did take heart. He listened to Jesus’s encouragement to “be of good cheer,” remembered it, and soon shared it with others around him.

Just as Paul was the Lord’s servant, so are you and I. As we walk with our Lord, He will meet us in times of adversity. And He has given us words to share with those around us; we just have to read and heed them.

No matter the situation, no matter the injustice, God’s plans are steadfast. He is good and He is faithful to accomplish His perfect will and to speak words of encouragement that we can share with others. So be of good cheer, my friend, and spread some cheer to those who need a reminder of Jesus’s love and care.No matter the situation, no matter the injustice – God’s plans are steadfast. He is good and He is just to accomplish His perfect will despite our surrounding circumstances.