Bold in the Battle

“That night the Lord appeared to Paul and said, ‘Be encouraged, Paul. Just as you have been a witness to me here in Jerusalem, you must preach the Good News in Rome as well.’” — Acts 23:11 (NLT)

There is something deeply comforting about knowing you are right where God wants you, even when things around you feel completely out of control. Paul had just faced a violent crowd, was nearly torn apart by religious leaders, and found himself sitting in a Roman prison with no clear idea of what would happen next. But it’s in that very moment of uncertainty that Jesus shows up and speaks straight to Paul’s heart: Be encouraged.

Paul wasn’t in a safe place. He wasn’t being celebrated. He was being rejected and attacked for his faith. Yet Jesus reminded him that his mission was not over. God still had plans for him. And no one, not mobs, not rulers, not fear, could stop what God had already set in motion.

Sometimes we imagine that doing God’s will means smooth paths and easy days. But Paul’s life reminds us that faith often leads us straight into the tension, not away from it. It brings us into places where courage is required, where boldness is tested, and where we must trust that Jesus is standing with us in the middle of it all.

You may be walking through your own kind of battle right now. Maybe it’s opposition, maybe it’s fear, maybe it’s just the unknown. But take heart. God sees you. He knows exactly where you are and why you're there. And just like He did with Paul, He’s reminding you today: Be encouraged. I’m not finished. Keep going. I’m with you.

Reflection Question: What battle are you facing today that needs God’s encouragement and boldness?

Prayer: Jesus, thank You for being with me in every challenge and battle. Help me to be bold, to trust Your plans, and to hear Your words of encouragement in my heart. Strengthen me to keep going, knowing You’re by my side. In Jesus name, Amen.