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2023-08-25 | Acts 23 | Great Purpose“Be of good cheer.” Has anyone ever said that to you? Well, maybe not using that specific wording, which is more biblical in nature. But, perhaps something more like, “Look up; look on the bright side; think positive; put your chin up; it will all work out; this too shall pass; cheer up, it’s not that bad, etc.” You all know what that feels like, as there is not one of you who has not been at rock bottom when some chipper person, with all the best intentions, comes along and looses one or more of those affirmations in your presence. And you all thought the same thing. “It’s easy for you to say; you’re not the one with the problem.” Or, possibly you pondered something not quite as nice as that, a thought that would be completely inappropriate to record here! Either way, you know the feeling.

But, what if it was the Lord speaking and you were altogether confident it was true; you could, should, “Be of good cheer!” He does tell us precisely that you know. “You will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” He makes this promise so we can experience supernatural peace in the midst of dreadful circumstances. And sometimes we receive this word even before we are in such circumstances, as preparation for the inevitable.

You are called to a great purpose in the Lord and undoubtedly that calling will be fraught with dangers and difficulties. But along with that calling He says, “Be of good cheer!” Sure, the Holy Spirit may say to you one day, “In every city chains and tribulations await.” But His calling always comes with a promise, “All things work together for good to those who love God and are the called according to His purpose,” and a guarantee, “If God is for us, who can be against us?” Now, if God promises that when you love Him and follow His purpose for you as one of “the called” it will always work out in your favor, and He guarantees to be on your side every time, then certainly you can “Be of good cheer!” even when chains and tribulations await