This week’s Pastor to Person is written by Pastor Caleb Beller.
[Act 23:11 NIV] 11 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.”
This verse sets off a nearly 3-year adventure of one the most harrowing and challenging seasons of Paul’s ministry. It all starts with a promise. “You must also testify in Rome.”
Amazing how quickly we see the promise tested! Verse 13 tells us that more than 40 men had taken an oath to assassinate Paul. These men plotted an elaborate attempt kill Paul and extinguish the promise God had given.
Do you ever feel like there are forces working against the promise of God on your life? No matter how overwhelming, cunning, or determined Paul’s enemies were; they were no match for the power of promise of God.
As the rest of the chapters will reveal Paul will be tried, imprisoned, shipwrecked and snakebit all seemingly to delay or destroy the promise of God. Chapter 28 records the fulfillment of the promise as Paul finally arrives in Rome. Two things we can take away from this promise for today. 1. God is faithful to complete what He promises. Nothing the enemy tries can stop what God has declared He will do. 2. Just because God has given you a promise doesn’t mean it will be easy, fast, or fun but it will be fulfilling. Each delay and difficulty resulted in an opportunity for God to work in and through Paul’s life.
Are you frustrated because a promise isn’t happening when or how you though it might? You can trust in the promise because you can trust the promise giver. Take inventory of the promises you have been given in the gospel today. He who began a good work in you is faithful to complete it!
-Pastor Caleb