Acts 18:9-10
One night in a vision the Lord said to Paul, "Do not be afraid. Go on speaking, and do not be silent, for I am with you. No one will attack and harm you, for I have many people in this city."
I love to sleep and dream. Some of my dreams are vivid, and I enjoy sharing the dreams with co-workers often because I dream of them on occasion. I've seen loved ones in my dreams and even those that have died. Every once in a while, I'll dream about my father who died 20 years ago. In the dreams it's as if he never left. I've had other dreams about work, especially some of the stresses. Ministry work shouldn't be stressful, but it is. Just ask anyone who does it. It can become so stressful that we can become burned out.
In today's reading, we hear that the Lord came to Paul in a dream, encouraging him to not be silent but to continue to preach with courage. During this time, there were considerable tensions in the local government and within the Jewish community. We read later in this same chapter about beatings over disagreements. Yet the Lord reminds Paul that there are many who will follow. How courageous are you to proclaim Jesus as Lord of your life? It's easy when you're at church among other believers, but how about when you're at a social event where you might not know everyone and the topic comes up? Do your actions lead others to believe that you are a follower of Christ, or do they convey a different message? The Holy Spirit is always with you to guide you in times when being a believer is difficult. Have courage in all things of God!
