270 of 365 - Faith

And he [Paul] stayed [in Corinth] a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them. Acts 18:11
 
From Athens, Paul travels to Corinth. A city also full of idols, but on a different level. Corinth is a relatively new and bustling city. It is a military base and trading port. Alcohol and prostitutes flow freely. Where the Athenians idolized intelligence, the Corinthians idolize wealth and pleasure.

It is tempting to think that Paul has this supernatural bravery. He is diligently and passionately pursuing that which God has called him to despite consistent persecution and rejection. But in his letter to the Corinthians, he writes of this visit, “And I was with you in weakness and in fear and much trembling.” (1 Corinthians 2:3).

The opposite of fear is not bravery, it is faith. It is stepping into God’s plan and God’s territory and trusting the process. Despite Paul’s fears, he pushes through, and God is with him. While in Corinth the Lord spoke to him in a vision, saying, “Do not be afraid, but go on speaking and do not be silent, for I am with you...”

Just when Paul needed it most, God shows up and provides the comfort and encouragement he needs to persevere. And He also provides friends and fellow workers, Priscilla and Aquila, who were tentmakers like himself. God never intended for us to do this thing on our own or in our own measly abilities.

We can be tempted to read the incredible accounts in the Bible and believe everything happens so easily and quickly with people much stronger and smarter and braver than we are. But it is more often than not a slow and steady process, by flawed people, riddled with rejection and trials along the way. It is often laced with uncertainty, failures, and fears. And this is when God shows up to give just what is needed to keep going. When we are weak, God’s strength is magnified.
 
Question: When have you experienced God providing the encouragement or support you need right when you need it?