August 13, 2021 - Acts 16:12-23

When Jeannette and I travel, we begin each trip with prayer for safety and protection. We acknowledge that there are many unseen and unknown situations that can and do occur in trips. Many times, it may not be from a bad tire or engine failure but we recognize it may be the drivers around us! Accidents do happen and we pray regularly for God’s wisdom and direction.

Paul knew that his ministry was filled with unknown and sometimes dangerous situations that only the Lord could protect him. He had traveled extensively and had also been in many cities where the people rejected his message of Jesus being raised from the dead to be the Messiah and Savior for all mankind. The Jewish religious leadership were extremely hostile to Paul’s ministry wherever he went and in Corinth that was also true. The vision the Lord gave Paul to protect him was proven to be true as he ministered in Corinth and traveled east to Antioch (v. 22).

Hundreds of miles traveling by ship, by foot and possibly by donkey over treacherous terrain, Paul and his team were protected in every dangerous circumstance. Paul recognized and gave glory to God for His protection in 2 Corinthians 11:22-28a where he recounts all the situations he had encountered in his travels. The Lord had delivered him and allowed him to continue to proclaim the message of Jesus Christ with all he encountered.

Please note that Paul was not exempted from difficult situations but that the Lord sustained him in all the various incidents that came upon him. This is important as we also are not spared from difficulties or accidents. We may have to suffer with brokenness and endure pain in the activities of life yet, like Paul, recognize that the Lord is with us each step of the path we are walking.

Paul’s focus was to communicate the message to both Jew and Gentile, believer and unbeliever. His passion was for the believer to know of God’s works and the unbeliever to know of Christ’s love and forgiveness. The passion to proclaim the message drove him through all dangers from Jerusalem to Corinth and back.

What fuels us each day to travel and accomplish the activities of our daily life? Is our focus so laser like that no matter what situation arises we will continue to trust Jesus and as a result present Him to the world we are involved in this day? Whatever exercise the Lord has you in today, be reminded that He is there with you and will not allow anything to happen that He does not know how to assist you and protect you.