The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

Acts 27:22-25, “And yet now I urge you to keep up your courage, for there shall be no loss of life among you, but

only of the ship.

23 “For this very night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve stood before me,

24 saying, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul; you must stand before Caesar; and behold, God has granted you all those who

are sailing with you.’

25 “Therefore, keep up your courage, men, for I believe God, that it will turn out exactly as I have been told.”

Do you remember a few Letters ago when we talked about Paul being jailed in Jerusalem? The LORD appeared to him, promising that everything would go well. Immediately after that promise, Paul’s nephew spoke to the Commander about the plot to take Paul’s life. The Commander wrote a letter to introduce Paul to Felix, who was in Caesarea. Then under heavy guard, the Commander sent Paul to stand before Felix.

Back in the Jerusalem jail, the LORD spoke to Paul, assuring him that he would stand before Caesar. Now, en route to Rome with an horrendoous storm preying upon the ship, an angel of the LORD once again encourages Paul, “Do not be afraid… you must stand before Caesar…” Paul, then encourages the sailors and passengers, saying, “I believe God, that it will turn out exactly as I have been told.”

Sometimes when we hear the LORD call us to a specific task, we find obstacles in the way. Satan is very real, and he always, without fail, seeks to intervene. But, God is Almghty! He keeps His word and He can overpower Satan.

Our responsibility is simply to believe the LORD and get on with what He intends us to do. We may not be called to do exactly what others do. Yet, it is our responsibility to determine our part and follow His directions. Remember these words: encourage, believe, pray. Then apply them rigorously despite all external circumstances. Yes, Paul did stand before Caesar; and it is necessary that all mankind hear the LORD’s Word and come to faith in Him! You and I have a responsibility to share Christ. Are we fulfilling His calling to us? Encourage, believe, pray.

Heartily in Christ Jesus,

(Dado III)

Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D.

Springdale, Arkansas 72764

United States of America

“We never know that God is all we need

until He becomes all that we have.”