In what ways can we trust God amidst threats and opposition today? Setting the Scene “After many days had passed, the Jews conspired to kill him.” (Acts 9:23) Saul, newly converted and boldly preaching Christ, immediately faced plots against his life. The gospel’s advance stirred hostility, yet God used every threat to deepen Saul’s dependence on Him and to propel the mission forward. Recognizing the Reality of Opposition • Threats are not anomalies but expected for those who follow Christ (2 Timothy 3:12). • Opposition often intensifies right after spiritual breakthroughs, as with Saul. • God does not promise absence of danger; He promises His presence and purpose within it (Psalm 46:1). Ways We Can Trust God Amidst Threats Today • Remember God’s sovereignty – “If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31). – Every plot is ultimately under His control; nothing escapes His oversight (Proverbs 19:21). • Cling to His promises – Isaiah 41:10 assures strength, help, and upholding hands. – Psalm 56:3–4 models honest fear met with determined trust. • Rely on the body of Christ – In Acts 9:25 fellow disciples lowered Saul in a basket, illustrating practical rescue through community. – God often answers prayers for protection through other believers’ courage and creativity. • Pray for boldness, not mere safety – The early church prayed, “enable Your servants to speak Your word with complete boldness” (Acts 4:29). – Boldness flows from confidence in God’s character, not in favorable circumstances. • Obey regardless of cost – Saul kept preaching; faithfulness outweighed fear (Acts 9:27-28). – Obedience places us in the center of God’s will, the safest place spiritually, even if physically risky. • Anticipate God’s deliverance—now or ultimately – Sometimes He provides immediate escape (Acts 9:25); other times He grants sustaining grace through trial (2 Corinthians 12:9-10). – Final vindication is certain when Christ returns (1 Peter 4:13-14). Encouragement from Other Scriptures • Psalm 118:6 – “The LORD is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me?” • Proverbs 29:25 – “The fear of man is a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is set securely on high.” • John 16:33 – “In the world you will have tribulation. But take courage; I have overcome the world.” • Hebrews 13:6 – “We can say with confidence: ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?’” Living It Out in Daily Life • Start each day by confessing specific fears to the Lord and exchanging them for His promises. • Stay connected to a local church where mutual protection, counsel, and encouragement flow. • Speak truth graciously yet firmly, trusting God to use your witness even when it provokes backlash. • Keep an eternal perspective: momentary threats cannot erase an imperishable inheritance (1 Peter 1:4-5). • Celebrate every evidence of God’s deliverance—big or small—as reminders that He who rescued Saul is still at work today. |
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