Sometimes We Just Need a Hug

Don’t worry.

You are going to make it.

Life will get better.

This, too, shall pass.

Feel better? Okay, those words probably didn’t make you feel any better about your life because I don’t necessarily know what’s going on in your life. For me to write those phrases to you does not mean much because I have no power to affect your future, nor do I have the vision to actually know things will get better.

But what if God said it to you?

We should not miss the single verse in the middle of Acts 23 containing God’s encouragement to Paul.

Acts 23:11 But on the night immediately following, the Lord stood at his side and said, “Take courage; for as you have solemnly witnessed to My cause at Jerusalem, so you must witness at Rome also.”

The Jews had been trying to kill Paul. The Romans now had him in custody. The Jews were plotting future mischief against Paul’s life (Acts 23:12-15). Poor Paul! All he had was a clean conscience (Acts 23:1). Oh…and God was on his side! That made all the difference.

I wonder how men and women survive in this world without God. How do they keep going without His strength? How do they get up in the morning without the hope of a grand future? How do they function with a guilty conscience? I suppose they lie to themselves. I guess they comfort themselves with, “You’re really a good guy. Somehow things will work out  if you just work hard enough. You’re doing fine.”

I would never make it without my God’s encouragement. Life is tough as it is without being separated from Him. The encouragement He gives is wonderful! “Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God” (Romans 5:1-2).

What are some of your favorite words of encouragement from the Lord?

God bless,
Nathan