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God is Standing Near

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READ: Acts 22:3- 23:11

REFLECT: I once received this piece of advice: REMEMBER: STRESSED SPELLED BACKWARDS IS DESSERTS! The implication: a little chocolate can reverse your feelings of pressure.

Where do you turn when you are under pressure?

I am so encouraged to see where Paul turned. During one of the darkest nights of Paul's life (having been arrested, beaten, imprisoned, and the target of an assassination attempt) the Lord spoke to Paul.

Acts 23:11 says, "The following night the Lord stood near Paul and said, 'Take courage!...” (NOTE: As you reread today’s passage, notice the words, stand, standing and stood).

I am struck by the phrase, "the Lord stood near Paul..." Paul's encounter reveals the very best place to turn under pressure. There is nothing you go through that the Lord does not go through with you. Remember, when life seems overbearing, to look to the Lord. He is standing right there by your side.

By Doug Kyle, Lead Pastor at Green Valley Church. Send feedback to doug@greenvalleychurch.com or comment on this blog post.

2 Responses to "God is Standing Near"

  1. gravatar Doug Kyle Says:
    January 23, 2010 9:56 AM

    CORRECTION: The passage to read is Acts 22:30 - 23:11.

  2. gravatar Doug Kyle Says:
    January 23, 2010 10:11 AM

    I love that in this passage, where human loyalty is so fickle, and political alliances so suspect, that God's support remains constant. One of the names of the Holy Spirit is "the One who comes alongside." How great that He stands by our side!

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