For I am with thee, and no man shall set on thee to hurt thee, for I have much people in this city. Acts 18:10
Many years ago, two preachers arrived by train in a small mid-western town, hoping to conduct some Gospel meetings. Shortly after their arrival, one of the local citizens discovered their purpose and confronted them with threats and angry words. ‘We have our own religion here,’ he declared. ‘We don’t need you and we won’t put up with you.’ Concerned, the two preachers spent the night in prayer, seeking the Lord’s will as to whether they should stay or move on. At breakfast, they both declared to each other than they had been assured that God wanted them to remain and preach in that town. As they finished their breakfast, they were approached by the mayor of the town, who welcomed them warmly and offered to assist them in finding a venue for their meetings. And those meetings proved a great blessing, with a good number of souls saved and an Assembly established. God often sends us encouragement when we need it, despite circumstances around us.
In some of the other places where Paul and the other missionaries had visited, their stay was cut short because of intense opposition and death threats. But in Corinth, Paul receives a special message from God that convinced him to continue his work there. Firstly, he received encouragement: I am with thee. And if God was with him, he was a match for every enemy, and would rise superior to every difficulty. If God is with us, his wisdom will mark out our way and our work; his power will enable us to do his will, and render our labors efficient; and his care will provide for and supply all our needs. Secondly, God provided Paul with comfort: no man shall set on thee to hurt thee. Paul knew what it was like to be hurt, even to be left for dead by the mobs. But God promised him, and promises us, of his divine shelter. Enemies may hate, ridicule, and attempt to harm us, but without God’s permission, they cannot injure a hair of our heads! However wrathful they are, they are powerless. Thirdly, God provided Paul, as he provides us, with a promise of great results: I have much people in this city. If God is going to work in Corinth, Paul wanted to be involved. If God is going to work in our area, don’t we want to be involved? Of course we do.
God has promises and comfort and opportunities for us, just as He had for Paul. Are we up for the challenge? -Jim MacIntosh