While Paul was in prison in Jerusalem he must have been wondering what the next move could possibly be. In fact, the Romans were probably wondering what to do with Paul, because, at that time they were protecting him from a city full of zealots who had vowed not to eat or drink until they killed him. It is in this context that God speaks to Paul and assures him with the words: “Take courage! As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome.” Paul had for a long time felt God’s pull to Rome, but he had been repeatedly prevented from going (see Romans 1:10-15). It is only in these circumstances when he was the furthest from Rome (and in prison!) that God ‘opened the door’ for him to go. How this was going to happen was a mystery at that point. If Paul got out of prison he would certainly be killed. It seems that God loves a big obstacle. A big obstacle is always an occasion for him to show us his providence. After all that’s why he guided Moses right up to the edge of the sea with Pharaoh’s army in pursuit. Do you feel God’s pull in a certain direction and at the same time find yourself confronted with many obstacles? Well, you are in the best position to see God at work, and seeing this will be the best preparation for whatever it is that God has for you to do up ahead.
Pray for God to guide you where he wants you to go.
Read Acts 23:11-22
