I recently read Acts 18:9-10 about Paul’s trip to Corinth. And the Lord said to Paul in the night by a vision, “Do not be afraid any longer, but go on speaking and do not be silent; for I am with you, and no man will attack you in order to harm you, for I have many people in this city.”
Prior to this message in the night, Paul had experienced poor treatment in Philippi, an eruption of mob action in Thessalonica, provocation and ridicule in idolatrous Athens, and much resistance from the Jews in Corinth. He responded by saying essentially, “Forget you, then! I’m going to preach to the Gentiles!” Yet he had reason for concern about where things were headed.
In conjunction with Paul’s dilemma, I thought about a football receiver’s mindset and the price of carrying the ball forward. Opponents would be after him to bring him down. Painful, hard hits might even mean a career-ending injury. At times he might be tempted in the heat of a game to think, “Don’t send that ball my way! Throw it to somebody else!” But then he’d remember that was why he was there. And instead of fearing negative consequences, he would focus instead on anticipated triumph through completed receptions or successful evasive runs.
Similarly, Paul felt compelled to preach. He later wrote in 1 Corinthians, “Woe is me if I do not preach the gospel.” But at this juncture he was apprehensive, maybe a little discouraged. He could have played it safe. But God told him not to be afraid, to speak and not be silent. He reassured Paul of His presence and protection, and of the aid of other believers.
Times may arise when you are trying your best to play well yet encountering a lot of opposition. A big ugly character with bad breath stares at you across the scrimmage line, spouting rude comments to provoke you–to get in your head and make you doubt. You’re sore, you’re tired, you’ve taken some hits doing the right thing and are afraid of what’s next. It’s tempting to call a time out, to complain, maybe even to sit down on the sidelines and feel sorry for yourself!
But God tells you to be strong and courageous because He is with you. He never leaves you or forsakes you. He is your Protector. And if you ever happen to get hurt, He is your Healer, too. He has put other believers in your life to encourage you—you are not alone. He has promised to always lead you in triumph in Christ, and to manifest through you the sweet aroma of the knowledge of Him in every place (2 Corinthians 2:14). When you remember these promises, you–like Paul–can forget what lies behind and reach forward. God empowers you with hope as you believe Him (Romans 15:13). Then you can set your face like a flint and stay in the game, pressing on toward the goal (Isaiah 50:7).
Whatever is going on in your life, whatever the challenge, God is big enough to help you overcome. And ultimate victory is His.
