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What do the Scriptures teach us about anxiety and worry? Today we will See God's Provision in difficult and fearful times.
Acts 18:1 Paul has traveled to Corinth and is worried about what God has in mind in bringing him to this ungodly city.
FACING FEAR
Strategic Friendships
Then: Acts 18:2-3 Paul meets Aquila and Priscilla.
Now: God will bring just the right people into our lives as well to assure us.
Conviction and Direction
Then: Acts 18:4. Paul preaches in the synagogue about Jesus. He has fresh strength from God - He has conviction and direction. God is giving Paul the strength and encouragement he needs to move forward even in the uncertainty.
Now: God still today gives us the personal strength to do what He is wanting us to do even in challenging situations.
Backup Support
Then: Acts 18:5 Silas and Timothy join Paul. He now has trusted colleagues with him and he is able to continue to do the work the Lord has given him.
Now: God gives us backup support in our lives as well. We can trust the Lord to supply everything needed in difficult times so we can accomplish God's plan for our lives.
Renewed Boldness
Then: Acts 18:6 We see that the people in the synagogue are rejecting Paul and becoming abusive so he says he will leave and go to the gentiles. This shows us God's provision in renewed boldness that he placed in Paul. We see that Paul is no longer living in fear.
Now: we too receive God's provision of renewed boldness - giving us the ability to step out for Christ without fear.
Reinforcements
Then: Acts 18:7-8 Paul leaves the synagogue and goes next door to the house of Titius Justus, a wealthy gentile worshiper of God who has Paul usie his home as place for Paul to preach about Jesus. Then we read that Crispus, the leader of the synagogue next door that Paul left, and his entire family come to faith in Christ and are baptized. God's Word has power! The promised Deliver has come into the world in Christ. God's provision is reinforcements for Paul, the reinforcements of more believers.
Now: Today God gives us the reinforcements we need to continue to do His will and plan for our lives.
God's Clear Word
Then: Acts 18:9-10 The Lord speaks to Paul in a vision telling him to not be afraid, to keep speaking and not be silent. God goes on to tell Paul that He is with him, no one will attack or harm him. (Paul has been brutally beaten in several cities, but The Lord speaks out that it will not be that way here.)
Now: The Lord still speaks today. Have you ever had just the perfect Bible verse of encouragement come to mind or have a friend share just the right word of God with you when you need it most, or that your bible reading for the day was just perfectly timed. These and others are examples of how God gives us His clear word of direction, love and encouragement. We need to be in His Word, because that is how He speaks to us. He ministers to us in times of fear and anxiety.
Vindication
Then: Acts 18:11-16 Paul remains in Corinth one…
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