When Courage Doesn’t Come from You
Even in the chaos, we stand firm—not in ourselves, but in the One who lives within us.
Devotional Credit: Immeasurably More
Photo Credit: Unsplash
Paul had just narrowly escaped death at the hands of an enraged mob in Jerusalem. Rather than running for safety or even just staying silent, he astonishingly asked for permission to speak to the same violent crowd. Most of us would be eager to get away, but Paul, deeply burdened by love for his fellow Israelites, saw the chaos as a divine opportunity. He trusted the Lord to do something eternal in that moment.
The Roman commander, caught off guard by Paul’s articulate Greek, mistook him at first for a rebel leader. His confusion highlights just how easy it is for the world to misidentify Spirit-filled boldness as something threatening or foreign. But when Paul speaks, the commander is compelled to listen. Even the crowd quiets as Paul lifts his hand—God was already at work preparing hearts.
Ray Stedman connects this event with Paul’s words in 2 Corinthians 4:9: “struck down, but not destroyed.” Though Paul had faced injustice, violence, and false accusations, he remained rooted in the unshakable truth that God was present. No moment was wasted. No attack went unseen. Paul didn’t stand in his own strength. He stood because Christ lived in him and through him.
This devotional reminds us that God doesn’t always remove us from opposition. He often stands with us in it. When we’re yielded to His Spirit, our reactions can glorify Him—even when our circumstances feel unjust, unexpected, or overwhelming.
Journal Entry – Voice of the Holy Spirit Through Scripture
You may be surrounded by misunderstanding, falsely labeled by others, or even attacked for things you never did—but I have not left you. I never will. Though you walk through hostility, I walk within you. I am your calm in the uproar, your truth in the accusations, your courage when fear closes in.
You are not defined by how the world sees you. You are My beloved, and I have placed My Spirit within you. I give you the words to speak. I steady your trembling hands. Even when you're struck down, I raise you up. Even when the world misidentifies you, I mark you as Mine.
Do not shrink back when I present you with an unexpected opportunity to speak. I will give you the grace you need in that very moment. Like Paul, you are not expected to stir up courage from within your flesh. I am your boldness. I am your voice. Trust Me, and I will draw others to Myself through your yielded life.
Remember, I do not measure your success by outcomes. I measure it by your trust. When you step forward with Me, even when it’s uncomfortable or costly, I shine through you. And when you are misunderstood, remember—so was I. Yet I never left My Father’s will, and I will never leave your side.
Scripture References: Acts 21:37–39; 2 Corinthians 4:7–10; Matthew 10:19–20; Isaiah 41:10; Hebrews 13:5–6; Romans 8:31–39; John 14:16–17; Philippians 1:6; Galatians 2:20
Real-Life Analogy
It’s like stepping onto an elevator after a long, exhausting day. You’re not sure what floor you’re headed to—you just know you’re tired. But the moment you walk in, someone inside needs encouragement. You didn’t plan it, but you feel the quiet nudge within. You look them in the eyes, speak a simple word of peace, and watch their shoulders relax. You didn’t generate that strength—it came from the One who lives in you.
Today, you may find yourself in an “elevator moment”—caught in the middle of unexpected tension, misunderstanding, or noise. Instead of reacting from habit or shrinking away, take a moment to say, “Lord, I trust You to live Your peace, Your clarity, and Your presence through me right now.” Let Him speak through your yielded heart.
Prayer of Confidence
Father, thank You that I never face injustice, confusion, or confrontation alone. You are the source of my calm, the voice of my boldness, and the strength behind my stance. You’ve already placed within me everything I need for every moment. Even when I’m struck down, You raise me up. Even when the world misunderstands me, You affirm my identity in Christ. I rest in Your presence, available in every situation. Today, I walk forward knowing You are not only with me—you are in me. Amen.