Scripture – Acts 23:11 “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.’ ”

 Observation – Paul has some difficult times ahead, however he can ‘be of good cheer’ because Jesus has spoken to Him and stood by Him – He has a word of faith and a meeting with the Lord to see him through. Circumstances don’t determine our ‘cheer’ but the knowledge we are in the will of God and that He is with us.

In the past there was a word that said he would be imprisoned in Jerusalem – but when Paul had God’s word nothing kept him from going forth to witness for the Lord.

 Application – It is so helpful to have a word from the Lord. Nothing else can take us through the difficult times like a word from Him and knowing He will be with us. Paul was constantly led by the Spirit and so should we!

 Prayer – Lord, how good it would be for You to turn up and stand by us and speak with us. However we can’t wait around waiting for a physical manifestation of the Lord. The Holy Spirit You have given us is always there to stand by us and speak to us.