365 Blessings- January 31

The following night the Lord stood near Paul and said, "Take courage! As you have
testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome." (Acts 23:11)

A promise to the apostle that his ministry is not yet over and that he has to testify about
Jesus in Rome. God spoke to the apostle not vaguely but specifically. It was not something
said haphazardly but pinpointing a place where God would take him to, come what may.
In the very next verses, we read of a plan by the Jews to kill him. But since God had given
him the promise, could anyone kill him?

The next morning the Jews formed a conspiracy and bound themselves with an oath not to
eat or drink until they had killed Paul. More than forty men were involved in this plot. (Acts
23:12, 13)
God foiled their plans.

Later on in Chapter 25, we read of another plan to kill Paul.
They urgently requested Festus, as a favor to them, to have Paul transferred to Jerusalem,
for they were preparing an ambush to kill him along the way. (Acts 25:3)
God did not allow it to happen.

Traveling to Italy later on, the ship that Paul traveled by was hit by a violent storm.
Before very long, a wind of hurricane force, called the "northeaster," swept down from the
island. The ship was caught by the storm and could not head into the wind; so we gave
way to it and were driven along. (Acts 27:14, 15)
God protected Paul because of his promise and plan.

He landed up on an island called Malta where God had a ministry for him to do.
3 months later he traveled again and finally landed in Rome.
Luke, the physician writes,
When we got to Rome, Paul was allowed to live by himself, with a soldier to guard him.
(Acts 28:16)

The book of Acts ends with these verses:
For two whole years Paul stayed there in his own rented house and welcomed all who came
to see him. Boldly and without hindrance he preached the kingdom of God and taught
about the Lord Jesus Christ. (Acts 28:30, 31)

God is faithful. He will foil every plan the enemy brings against the promise that he has
given you. If he has promised you something, he will definitely bring it to pass. Just walk
with him.