HARMLESS ATACKS. By Pastor Fernando

SCRIPTURE
One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision: "Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent. For I am with you, and no one is going to attack and harm you, because I have many people in this city." So Paul stayed for a year and a half, teaching them the word of God. While Gallio was proconsul of Achaia, the Jews made a united attack on Paul and brought him into court.
Acts 18:9-12

OBSERVATION
God revealed to Paul in a vision a promise to protect him from harmful attacks. There is not reason for Paul to be afraid because God was promising to be with Him. But as we keep reading, right in the next verse, the vicious attacks of the Jews came. In one verse God promises protection from attacks, but in the next verse Paul is under attack. Important to observe what God clearly promised to Paul. He did not promised a life free from attacks, but a journey free from hurtful attacks. He told Paul, "Attacks will come. But they will not hurt you or harm you. They will not be a threat to your life or your assignment."

APPLICATION
We would have unrealistic expectations if we assume that our journey with Christ is free from attacks. In fact, as followers of Christ, we should expect attacks from many places and in many shapes and forms. But those attacks, as relentless as they could be, will not destroy us. God promises to be with us, to be our shield, and to carry us to the finish line of our assignment. We will not be stopped. We may be afraid and we may want to retrieve. But God will come to our aid as we put our trust in Him and depend in His power and might, not ours.

During this season our church has been under constant vicious attacks of the enemy. I recognize that I've been afraid of the negative consequences and the damage that the enemy can do to the members of our body. But this morning I'm hearing from God the exact words that are going to sustain my during this assault and constant attack. I don't need to be afraid. I will not be silent. I will continue with boldness and determination doing what God has called me to do. When the enemy comes from one way, God will come out to meet him from 10 different ways. I'm confident that the Lord will be fighting for us, protecting us, and securing the victory for us as we depend on Him.

PRAYER
Dear heavenly Father, we need you more and more, especially during this season. Let us come before you and depend on you to find protection from the attacks of the enemy. These attacks are not going to destroy us. They may slow us down. But they will not stop us. Give us the resilience to dissipate or fears as we fix our eyes on you. We cast all our fears and anxieties before you. Thank you for being with us. Amen!