Take Courage!

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Posted by: Megan Sweitzer, Social Media and Podcast Assistant | Monday, March 16th, 2026 ( 9:16am)

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

Right now, I am studying the book of Acts, where Paul walks the narrow road toward Christ, experiencing suffering, hardship, imprisonment, and persecution along the way. A Roman citizen and former persecutor himself, Paul’s miraculous conversion to Christianity brings trouble from both religious and governing authorities—so much so that he is taken to a secure place until he can stand trial for the accusations he faces from Jewish leaders. As Paul sits in wait, the Lord appears. It’s here, in this moment, that I find a great deal of encouragement for all of us.

In this time of waiting, the Lord stood near and spoke to Paul. What a powerful image. In the middle of noise and uncertainty, God’s presence was not distant or distracted. It was personal, steady, and near. What a beautiful picture of comfort, peace, and protection.  

And that is what makes this moment in Acts so deeply relevant for us. The Lord who stood beside Paul in the barracks, strengthening him for what lay ahead, is the same Lord who meets us in our stories. Whatever you may be facing today, whether that’s excitement for the day ahead or dread, take courage and continue moving forward with faith and obedience. I know I'm preaching to the choir here; my own heart has often needed this reminder. As family, friends, and members of my community share difficult, sorrowful, and even joyful news, I find myself wrestling; wrestling with the weight of it all, trying to reconcile the majesty and goodness of God with the suffering and brokenness of this world. And it is here, in this tension, that this passage in Acts has been speaking so tenderly and graciously to me. 

I serve the same God that Paul did, and that same God is encouraging me, stepping into my own brokenness, and asking me to trust Him in what He’s called me to. This God who stands in hardship, stands in the waiting, stands near to all of us. He calls us to continue on the narrow road, to take courage, and to move in obedience closer to Him and what He’s called us to. 

So, if life feels heavy and burdensome—maybe you’re facing a broken relationship, medical test results, or struggling to just get dinner on the table—remember that the Lord stands near and He is with you. And in the moments when you feel joyful and full of gratitude, keep moving forward in courage, pursuing what He’s called you to, and soak up His comfort, peace, and protection that can only come from being in relationship with Jesus.

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