This is NOT Final Darkness

Acts, chapters 22-24.
Such a great look into the life of Paul.
His steadfast preaching.
His unwavering commitment to God and people.
His perseverance that came from knowing how close he had once been to the “other side.”

Paul was accused, ridiculed, mocked, beaten, and imprisoned.

It was a horrific experience, and one he endured without anyone coming to his rescue. His aid even.

They didn’t like him.
They hated him, really.

They didn’t understand him.
They didn’t welcome his judgement.
They didn’t acknowledge his insight.
They disregarded the evidence.
They didn’t heed his warnings.

AND it would appear, for a time, that the Lord was absent from Paul. As though God had deserted him.

My commentary talks about this “apparent” desertion from God.
And I know sometimes it feels this way.
Even the best of saints struggle.

Sometimes it feels like we are in a desert screaming, “Where is God?”
We wonder things like - What is going on God? Where are you?

And then I read the words, “Desertion is APPARENT, but it is not real.”

And yet I wonder SOMETIMES if it IS real, but real as in the sense that it is only TEMPORARY, not FINAL.

And even in the text Jesus comes to reassure the weary heart. The heavy spirit.

Acts 23:11.
Jesus appears to Paul (“that night”) and says this, “Be encouraged, Paul. Just as you have been a witness to Me here in Jerusalem, you will preach the Good News in Rome as well.”

HOPE after all.
The words of Paul’s Savior he so desperately needed to hear.
Hope IN THE NIGHT!
It was the light shining in Paul’s life from Jesus! And he encourages Paul IN THE NIGHT by saying, “THIS is not how it all ends. THIS night may be dark - but a new day is coming!”

THIS is NOT FINAL darkness!
And neither is whatever you’re facing now, friend.

It may be dark now, but Jesus comes to us IN THE NIGHT… in our darkest moments… in our saddest days… and whispers, “Be encouraged.”

This is not how your story… the story… ends.