Jesus is always there for us.
“Do not be afraid, but keep on speaking, and do not be silent. (Acts 18:9b)
I am sure that you could list a number of things you are afraid of. Does your list include getting COVID-19, dying, being alone, losing your job, or not knowing the future?
There are a lot of things out there that frighten us. Jesus spoke the words of our text in a vision to St. Paul. Paul had second thoughts about continuing to witness about Jesus. Was he afraid of being persecuted and put to death because of his Gospel message about Jesus? Maybe.
Think of all of the times when you were afraid of standing up for your faith in Jesus when people around you were making fun of your faith. You were afraid to say anything. We all have been ashamed of the Gospel of Christ at one time or other.
That is why we need to listen to the words of Jesus that came to Paul in that vision: “Do not be afraid, but keep on speaking, and do not be silent.”
Jesus encourages us with the same words. Jesus adds the reason why we need not be afraid. He told Paul and assures us of the following: “For I am with you, and no one will lay a hand on you to harm you.” (Acts 18:10)
There are a lot of things that frighten us. When we are frightened, we must listen to what Jesus told his frightened disciples before his ascension. “Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, and do not let it be afraid.” (John 14:27)
Jesus is always there for us.
Prayer: Dear Jesus, forgive me for the many times I have been frightened to defend my faith in you. Give me the assurance that you are with me always with the peace of your forgiveness. Amen.