“The commander … commanded the soldiers to … take him by force from among them, and bring him into the barracks. But the following night the Lord stood by him and said, ‘Be of good cheer, Paul … so you must also bear witness at Rome.’”—Acts 23:10–11 NKJV

Paul often displayed boldness, courage, and determination. Yet at the core, he remained very human. He had real emotions. He knew what it was like to be afraid and discouraged. We see his human side when confronted by Roman soldiers.

After being threatened by a mob, Paul was taken into the barracks for protection. That night, Jesus Himself spoke to Paul, telling him to “be of good cheer.” Jesus spoke this same Greek word to the woman who touched the hem of His garment and to His disciples after He walked on the water.

Paul needed to hear this message and the specific word that Jesus spoke to him that night. He was reassured. The next morning, Paul was calm and clearheaded, focused and decisive. If there had been any uncertainty or discouragement, it was gone. He was “of good cheer.”

If Paul could feel afraid and discouraged, we should not be surprised if we do too. No matter what we face, we can be of good courage. Remember that Jesus is with us. No matter what our needs are, He knows them. No matter how big our obstacles might be, He is with us to help us face them. No matter who threatens us, “greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world” (1 John 4:4 NASB).

Receive His Word today. Don’t be afraid or discouraged. Jesus is with you. Be of good cheer.

Reflection Question: Are you feeling discouraged today?

“As he was traveling, it happened that he was approaching Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him; and he fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?’”—Acts 9:3–5 NASB

For many years, a man called on the service of a Christian businessman. In their interactions, conversations often turned toward faith. The Christian made clear what he believed. When the door opened, he shared his testimony. But his client had no interest in the Gospel.

The businessman continued to demonstrate how Jesus made a difference. He focused on being responsible and a good example. Suddenly, the man asked how to be saved. The Christian businessman had the privilege of leading him to the Lord.

No one who knew the man ever would have imagined this moment would be possible. He appeared to be completely uninterested in the Gospel. Yet somehow, God had been working in his heart, using the testimony and example of this Christian businessman and others.

Many must have felt the same way about Saul. He was determined in his attitude toward Jesus. He was determined to eradicate the faith, to imprison anyone who claimed to be His disciple. Yet in a moment, Saul’s life was turned upside down when Jesus appeared to him.

We must remember that no heart ever is too hard for God. His Spirit can work in the lives of even the most disinterested people. We must never give up or assume our labor is in vain. Ask God to equip you to be His witness with those you meet—even those who may seem to be closed to the Gospel.

Reflection Question: To whom can you witness this week?