God's Encouragement
From Pastor Bill’s Sermon
March 8, 2026
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Day 1
READ: Acts 23:11 & Acts 28:11–16
DEVO:
There are moments when life feels stalled, when circumstances make it seem as though progress has completely stopped. The apostle Paul experienced exactly that. Years passed between the promise God gave him and the moment he finally arrived where God said he would go. During those years he endured imprisonment, trials, storms, and shipwreck. Yet the promise of God remained unchanged.
When the Lord spoke to Paul in Acts 23:11, He told him to take courage because he would testify in Rome. That promise must have felt distant during the long months that followed. Yet Acts 28 shows the fulfillment unfolding step by step. Paul finally arrives in Rome exactly as the Lord said he would. The journey was not smooth, but the promise proved faithful.
This reminds us that God’s encouragement is often tied to His promises. When circumstances appear confusing, God’s Word becomes our anchor. His timing may not match our expectations, but His purposes are never abandoned. Encouragement grows when we remember that God finishes what He begins.
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APPLICATION: Is there a promise of God you need to hold onto even though the fulfillment has taken longer than expected?
Day 2
READ: Acts 28:14–16
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DEVO
Encouragement sometimes arrives through people rather than circumstances. Paul had endured years of hardship before reaching Rome. Yet just before entering the city, believers traveled miles to meet him along the road. Their presence must have meant more than words could express.
Scripture says that when Paul saw them, he thanked God and took courage. These believers probably had no idea how significant their effort was. They simply wanted to honor someone who had influenced their lives through the message of the gospel. Yet their act of encouragement strengthened Paul in a moment when he likely needed it most.
God still uses people this way today. A text message, a word of gratitude, or a simple expression of support can become a powerful tool in the hands of God. Encouragement reminds others that their faithfulness matters and that their labor has not been in vain.
Often we assume people already know they are appreciated, but that assumption leaves many people discouraged. The example of these believers challenges us to become intentional encouragers. God frequently uses ordinary believers to deliver extraordinary encouragement.
APPLICATION: Who in your life might need encouragement today—and how could you intentionally strengthen them?
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Day 3
READ: Matthew 11:28–30, 1 Thessalonians 4:16–18
DEVO:
At the heart of the gospel is a simple but life-changing invitation: come to Jesus. When Jesus spoke those words in Matthew 11, He addressed people who were weary under the weight of life. The burdens they carried included guilt, fear, and the endless struggle to measure up. Instead of offering a system or a set of rules, Jesus offered Himself.
Coming to Christ means placing our trust in the One who carried our burdens to the cross. It means exchanging the weight of sin for the rest of forgiveness. It also means receiving a future hope that extends beyond this life. The promise of Christ’s return reminds believers that their story is not limited to present struggles.
Paul later described a moment when believers will meet the Lord and be gathered into His presence. That hope has encouraged Christians for centuries. The same Savior who invites us to come to Him today will one day welcome His people into eternity.
Encouragement ultimately flows from this truth: our future is secure in Christ. No matter how uncertain the present may feel, the promises of God point forward to a day when faith becomes sight.
APPLICATION: Have you personally responded to Christ’s invitation to come to Him and trust Him as your Savior?
