Acts 18:1-21

Be still: Lord, we give you this day and bring you grateful hearts. Amen

Read: Acts 18:1-21

One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision: 'Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent. For I am with you, and no one is going to attack and harm you, because I have many people in this city.'  So Paul stayed in Corinth for a year and a half, teaching them the word of God. (vv9–11)

Encounter: I have three children and recall many times when they were younger taking them to visit friends. We adults would be having an amazing time, but a time would come, where the kids were done! They were tired, hungry, overstimulated, and looking to escape. My wife and I would look at each other, and the look meant - ‘I think it’s time to go now.’ 

In our passage today, Paul had a ‘I think it’s time to go now’ moment. Despite Paul’s devotion to his mission of teaching and evangelism, both he and his words were being rejected. Understandably he thinks, they’re not listening, what’s the point - I’m out of here!

God had other plans: he meets him in a dream and reminds him — ‘I am with you.’ It appears that Paul’s spirit was failing; he was in a tough environment. But the Lord in his grace, meets him, encourages him, and reminds him that he will provide whatever he needs for the work he has been called into for the sake of the kingdom of God.

Apply: What do you need today? Where is your spirit failing? Ask God to meet you in his grace, to encourage you, to remind you of his promises and to use you in whatever sphere you find yourself.

Devote: Lord you are so kind. You provide for our every need, and you never leave us lacking those things necessary to our well-being and our purpose. Help us where we’re failing or weakening today and renew us by your Spirit.