21 Days with Jesus: Knowing God through the Footsteps of Paul Images - 12

DAY 12: KNOWING GOD THROUGH PERSECUTION

by Pastor Heiden Ratner
Jan. 16th, 2026

“And the Lord said to Paul one night in a vision, “Do not be afraid, but go on speaking and do not be silent, for I am with you, and no one will attack you to harm you, for I have many in this city who are my people.”” – Acts 18:9–10

DEVOTION

Paul was on a historic run.

 

At the beginning of Acts 16, he receives a call to a new region: Macedonia. He starts in Philippi—beaten and imprisoned. Then he moves on to Thessalonica, where his preaching stirs up the crowds so intensely that he flees to Berea. But once hostile groups hear he’s in Berea, they track him down there too. Under cover of night, he’s put on a boat and arrives in Athens. He preaches at the Areopagus before elite philosophers and religious thinkers, then continues to Corinth.

 

And in Corinth, the opposition doesn’t let up. He is “opposed and reviled” by some of the Jewish leaders he’s reasoning with. Eventually Paul reaches a breaking point and says:

 

“Your blood be on your own heads! I am innocent. From now on I will go to the Gentiles.” (Acts 18:6)

 

It’s not hard to imagine what Paul may have been feeling—worn down, pressured, maybe even tempted to pull back. We don’t know everything happening in his heart and mind, but we do know this: the Lord Jesus decided Paul needed a personal word of strengthening.

 

And one night, Jesus spoke to him in a vision:

 

“Do not be afraid, but go on speaking and do not be silent, for I am with you, and no one will attack you to harm you, for I have many in this city who are my people.”
“And he stayed a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them.” (Acts 18:9–11)

 

Notice the five-fold encouragement Jesus gives Paul:

 

That one word from the Lord kept Paul in Corinth for another year and six months. It didn’t remove all resistance, but it restored Paul’s courage and clarity. God didn’t just give Paul a task—He gave him His presence. And in that presence, Paul could endure.
There’s something about being opposed for following Jesus that can deepen our relationship with God. Persecution doesn’t automatically mean we’re doing everything right—but Scripture does tell us that living a godly life will often create friction in a world that resists Christ.

 

Paul told Timothy:

 

“Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” (2 Timothy 3:12)
And Jesus taught the same in the Sermon on the Mount:

 

“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake… Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you… on my account.” (Matthew 5:10–12)

 

So today, if you’re navigating opposition—misunderstanding, ridicule, exclusion, or even hostility—don’t assume God has stepped away. Sometimes persecution becomes the very place where we learn God’s nearness in a new way.

 

You may experience persecution close to home—within your family, in the classroom, or even among people you once considered friends. That kind of opposition can sting the most because it feels personal. But don’t let it stop you from pressing on. Keep walking with Jesus. Keep speaking with wisdom and love. And keep getting to know God more deeply in the very place you’re being tested.

 

The same Jesus who spoke to Paul still speaks through His Word to us today:

 

Do not fear. Keep speaking. I am with you.

PRAYER

Lord, today I pray You would strengthen me when I feel pressure or opposition for following You. And even if I don’t face that today, keep this Word close to my heart for when I do. Replace my fear with courage. Help me keep speaking with love, wisdom, and boldness, knowing You are with me. I receive Your encouragement from Matthew 5, and I trust that You are with me—blessing me and strengthening me in any struggle. In Jesus’ name, amen!

NEXT STEP

Read Matthew 5:44. Think of one person who has mocked, opposed, or distanced themselves from you because of your faith. Pray for them by name today—and choose one practical way to show them kindness this week.

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