Trust the One Standing By

We have no control over the decisions of others, but we can navigate through our responses knowing God’s will always wins.

The following night the Lord stood by him [Paul] and said, “Take courage, for as you have testified to the facts about me in Jerusalem, so you must testify also in Rome.”

– Acts 23:11 ESV

Do you feel like things are out of control? There is so much happening, and you’re trying to fix your life and the lives of those around you? Are you making decisions based on an attempt to change others? 

When Paul, who had at one time persecuted Christians, stood before the legal system of his time, he was able to defend himself boldly because he knew what God had made clear to him (Acts 23).

Religious leaders were afraid and angry with Paul for what he was saying about Jesus, and they plotted to murder him. He was thrown into jail and waited for years for sentencing. He eventually made it to Rome and was able to share boldly what he knew about Jesus, fulfilling what God had told him would happen (Acts 28).

Things may be out of your control, but God always has your best interest in motion. 

False accusations led to Paul being able to share the truth about Jesus and His saving grace to a king, to high-ranking officials, to people of influence. 

No matter how out of control things may seem, you can be confident in the One who stands by you. God is saying to you, “Take courage!” You can be confident that as you look to Him and His Word, He will lead you every step of the way. Even in dire circumstances, you can choose to trust Him.

Today’s One Thing

What are you trying to control that is truly out of your control? What do you need to trust God with? Will you do it now and experience the freedom it brings?

Start now by writing down what you can control to highlight the power you do have, and then verbally give the things not in your control to God to handle.

Go Deeper

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