STANDING BY
Today's reading:  Acts 23-24

"But the following night the Lord stood by him and said, Be of good cheer, Paul; for you have testified for Me in Jerusalem, so you must bear witness at Rome."  Acts 23:11 NKJV

Accusations.

Arrest.

Incarceration.

Trial.

Paul faced, and would continue to face, times we only imagine in our nightmares.  He was called to stand strong amid horrible situation.  He was asked to remain faithful in dire straights.

How could he have done it?

"...the Lord stood by him..."

In the night when Paul was alone with his thoughts, his fears and his doubts--God was there.  When his accusers were asleep in their beds but hurtful words were still reeling in his mind--God was there.  When the chains hurt his wrists and ankles and the bread and water left his stomach rumbling--God was there.  When the darkness crept in with the sounds of rats and roaches--God was there.

He is there for you, too!