November 19, 2021
Christ is sufficient. In every way, in every circumstance, in every location, Christ takes care of his own and provides what is needed for the moment.
We may not be in a position to receive it. Our spiritual receiver may be tuned to the wrong channel, but if we are listening and dependent, we will find all we need in Him.
Paul was in trouble in Acts 23. It was a kind of trouble that would have overwhelmed the best of us. Obviously, Paul was fearful because the Lord knew that Paul needed an extra reassurance. We do not read that Paul asked God for this, but Christ provided for his deepest needs to face the series of trials he was about to face.
And as a great dissension was developing, the commander was afraid Paul would be torn to pieces by them and ordered the troops to go down and take him away from them by force, and bring him into the barracks. But on the night immediately following, the Lord stood at his side and said, “Take courage; for as you have solemnly witnessed to My cause at Jerusalem, so you must witness at Rome also.” (Acts 23:10-11)
Notice that this was no angel that appeared, but the Lord Himself! He gave Him a command: "Take courage." "Take" means to "lay hold of, grasp" and courage is not a stoic quality, but a quality of life based on faith in the present Christ" as one commentator says.
But then Jesus gives him the rationale for this kind of courageous faith by telling him where this was headed. He was to witness in Rome, and nothing would stop this. No scheme of man would abort God's will for Paul. In fact, man's schemes would be used by God to get Paul exactly where he needed to go.
Sufficient. He gave Paul His presence, His encouragement, and His mission.
If we will be still and listen, Christ will give us what we need when it is needed to be able to walk in faith, be courageous, and accomplish the mission He's ordained for us!
Father, thank You that nothing can abort Your plans for my life. You are there to encourage me, to give Your promises to me, and to reassure me. Your calling and leadership is precise and Your sufficiency is overwhelming.
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