🕊️ PRAY HERE Devotion 🕊️ The Lord Will Always Send Help

Scripture: Acts 9:23-25 (NIV)

“After many days had gone by, there was a conspiracy among the Jews to kill him, but Saul learned of their plan. Day and night they kept close watch on the city gates in order to kill him. But his followers took him by night and lowered him in a basket through an opening in the wall.”

Devotion: Have you ever been disliked for doing something that was right?

That is probably one of the most puzzling things about being a believer.

Sometimes people dislike you simply because you obey God.

Have you ever noticed that when someone decides to stop partying, drinking, gossiping, or living the way they used to, some of their old friends suddenly have a problem with them?

Or when someone starts bringing people to

Christ, living holy, and encouraging others to do right, there always seems to be someone trying to criticize or discourage them.

Why?

Because sometimes your good exposes someone else’s bad.

Whew!

People do not always hate you.

Sometimes they hate the conviction your life brings.

Now let’s look at today’s scripture.

After his conversion, Saul immediately began preaching the Gospel with boldness.

His testimony was powerful.

The same man who once persecuted Christians was now persuading people that Jesus truly is the Son of God.

Can you imagine hearing that testimony?

People listened because they knew who Saul used to be.

His changed life gave credibility to his message.

But after about three years of ministry in and around Damascus, the Jews plotted to kill him.

Wow!!

People can really become angry when the Kingdom of God is advancing.

We still see this today.

It is not always a physical death.

Sometimes people try to kill your ministry.

They try to kill your influence.

They try to kill your reputation.

They try to silence your voice.

They try to discourage you until you quit.

BUT GOD!

Oh, I love the “But God” moments!

😊

During Saul’s ministry in Damascus, he had been pouring into people.

He preached Christ.

He made disciples.

He helped others grow in their faith.

He was not doing ministry alone anymore.

So when trouble came, the believers stood with him.

They came up with a plan.

Under the cover of night, they lowered Saul in a basket through an opening in the city wall.

The Jews were watching the gates day and night…

But they forgot that God always has another way.

Glory to God!

Saul escaped unharmed and continued preaching the Gospel.

Whew!

Do you see the beauty of this story?

The same man who came to Damascus to arrest Christians…

Left Damascus because Christians risked their own safety to save his life.

Look what God’s grace can do!

Be encouraged today.

When you are attacked…

God will send help.

When you are rejected…

God will send help.

When people plot against you…

God will send help.

Sometimes that help comes through a friend.

Sometimes through your church family.

Sometimes through a complete stranger.

Sometimes through a phone call at just the right time.

Sometimes through an answered prayer you never saw coming.

You are never alone.

God knows exactly what you need and exactly who to send.

So keep witnessing.

Keep serving.

Keep obeying.

Keep following Jesus.

The Lord has a way of protecting those who are faithfully carrying out His work.

Before you leave today, remember this:

If God called you to it, He will also help you through it.

God bless you!

Prayer: Father God, thank You for never leaving me to face life’s battles alone. When opposition comes, help me not to fear or lose heart. Strengthen my faith to continue witnessing, serving, and following You regardless of what others may think or do. Lord, thank You for always providing the help, protection, and encouragement I need at just the right time. Surround me with faithful believers who will strengthen me, pray for me, and stand with me. Help me also be willing to help and encourage others when they are under attack. I trust that no matter what comes against me, You are my Protector, my Deliverer, and my Help.

In Jesus’ name, Amen. 🙏 🕊️