We live in a world where fear and terror ruin people’s minds and lives. (Luke 21:25-28.) Here we find out how to experience peace amid troubles.
Forty religious men told the chief priests and elders in Jerusalem, “We have taken a solemn oath not to eat anything until we have killed Paul”. (verses 12-14.) The religious leaders agreed to help in their plan. (verses 15 & 20.)
“But when the son of Paul’s sister heard about this plot; he went into the barracks and told Paul.” (verse 16.)
If you had been Paul, would this have made you afraid and depressed? Are your circumstances today as bad as Paul’s? Paul had no reason to be afraid! The night before this, the Lord had “stood near Paul and said, ‘Take courage! As you have testified about Me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome.’” (verse 11.) Could the evil schemes of those forty murderers and the religious leaders alter or upset GOD'S plans? CERTAINLY NOT!
Did you know that God has a plan and purpose for the life of every one of His children? (1stCorinthians 12:18-27. Psalm 73:23-28.) Of course, not everyone who says he/she is one of God’s children, is a true child of God! (Matthew 7:21-23. John 8:42-47.) God only gives that privilege to those who trust His Son, Jesus Christ, to forgive their sins and save them. (John 1:12. 14:6.)
God’s true children, while they seek to please and obey the Heavenly Father, can have “rest” and peace in their hearts. (Romans 8:28-32.) They can be sure that the loving, wise, and all-powerful Heavenly Father will bring about His good purposes for His trusting child. (Hebrews 4:1-11.)
But God’s disobedient children will NOT find God’s way, nor enjoy God’s “rest” and peace amid troubles in this life! (Hebrews 3:7-13.)
It can be exciting to see how God makes things, that seem evil, to turn out to be for good for His children! (Proverbs 3:5-6. Genesis 45:4-8.)
Paul sent his young nephew to the Roman commander, who asked, “What do you have to tell me?” (verse 19.) When he heard of the murder plot against Paul, he sent the young man away, warning him, “Don't tell anyone that you have reported this to me.” (verses 20-22.)
Then he called two of his centurions and ordered them, “Get ready a detachment of two hundred soldiers, seventy horsemen and two hundred spearmen to go to Caesarea at nine tonight. Provide horses for Paul so that he may be taken safely to Governor Felix.” (verses 23-24.)
God’s Word to Paul had assured him that God wanted him to testify for Him in Rome, so God would have to get him to Rome! Paul could be at peace amid troubles that he would experience along the way! (Romans 12:1-2. Psalm 91.)
God’s true children are assured that you will get to Heaven. The way may be difficult at times, but the believer has peace amid troubles knowing he will get to Heaven.
Read Acts chapter 23, verses 11-24.
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