S - Acts 23:11 That night the Lord appeared to Paul and said, “Be encouraged, Paul. Just as you have been a witness to me here in Jerusalem, you must preach the Good News in Rome as well.”
O - Paul was again in prison and was being tried because of the message that he was preaching. God came to him and told him that he would need to preach this same message in Rome as well. When I first read this it almost sounded as if God was bringing him news that he would have to go through this same torture in Rome as well but then I noticed two important things. First, there were two words before this statement, "Be encouraged". God was not bringing him a message of pain or a command but instead a message of hope. Second, if he was going to preach in Rome, then that means that he must not be killed here then because then he wouldn't make it to Rome. This indeed was a message of hope and not a command that was sure to bring more pain.
A - There are times that I too am going through issues that seem to be more than I may be able to handle. God is the same today, tomorrow, and yesterday. Therefore, He is still a God of hope and encouragement. I need to focus my eyes on Him and cast my cares on Him because He has promised to be with me and He will not give me more than I can handle. The hard times many times bring growth and I need to go through these with His help in order to get to the place where I need to in order to fulfill His plan.
P - God, I ask that you continue to be with me and give me encouragement to fulfill the plan that you have for me. Help me to also be that vessel that brings others encouragement. I pray that you guide my family and me and bless us. Thank you for all you have done and continue to do daily.
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