You got this, right?
which voice are you listening to…
'The following night the Lord stood near Paul and said, “Take courage! As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome.”' Acts 23:11
having courage, i believe, does not mean you aren’t afraid; it is the knowledge of knowing you can get through whatever you are facing if you simply stand firmly and do it. i do fail in this area at times - the doubt, the uncertainty, the fear, sometimes leading to analysis paralysis, causing me not to do anything.
in this verse, paul had The Lord uplifting him. how awesome is that; Jesus right next to and motivating him. do you or i need anything more? i know this may sound “non-Christian”/lack of faith when i say i wish i had more of those encounters or could feel His Presence and hear His Voice clearly. it’s just the way i feel as i’ve felt disconnected, sometimes distant, in my relationship with The Lord; mainly from not always knowing His Will for my life.
in big and small moments, paul encountered Jesus along the way on his journeys. he spoke with authority and certainty. he wasn’t afraid of what was next because he trusted in our Lord. for me it definitely helps to know Jesus continues to speak in people’s lives, guarding and guiding them, and i want more of that, selfishly, for myself.
dear Heavenly Father, thank you for continuing your work in my life. may i trust that you are here with me, fighting my battles, helping me to overcome obstacles that are too difficult for me to conquer on my own. teach me to hear your voice and feel your presence, always, in your glorious, majestic name i pray, amen!