Paul the Great Encourager

The apostle Paul is a wonderful example of a man of God who needed the encouragement and support of other people—the right people that God brought into his life for specific reasons.

When Paul needed to be healed, whom did God send? Ananias was the right man in the right place at the right time. (See Acts 9:10–18.) That’s what I call a “Divine Connection”: people God puts in your life who act like bridges to get you where you’re supposed to go. If Ananias hadn’t been sent by God, Paul’s ministry would have never begun. How would you like some kingdom connections in your life and career?

Even after Paul’s conversion, the early church rejected him because of the persecution he had waged against Christians before meeting God. The disciples were afraid of him, so God once again sent a person: Barnabas. Barnabas used his influence with the disciples to get Paul’s foot in the door of the church:

And when Saul had come to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples; but they were all afraid of him, and did not believe that he was a disciple. But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. And he declared to them how he had seen the Lord…. (Acts 9:26–27)

Finally, when Paul was discouraged, God sent Titus to encourage him. Have you ever had a discouraging day until one person shared some kind words and completely changed your mood? Even the apostle Paul, who was filled with the Spirit of God, had days like this.

In 2 Corinthians 7:6, Paul said, “God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus.”

Prayer: Lord God, it is encouraging to see how You brought the right people into Paul’s life when he was most in need of Your grace. I trust You to do the same for me, because You are the God who never changes and never stops caring about His children. Thank You for the grace and support that You provide through the fellowship of believers on earth. Amen.