There are moments in life when the darkness feels overwhelming—when trials press hard, and the voice of God seems distant. Whether it’s grief, uncertainty, loneliness, or spiritual discouragement, these seasons can leave us feeling stranded and unsure. But the truth remains: even in the darkest valleys, God is with us.
In Acts 23, we find the Apostle Paul in one of those valleys. Falsely accused, beaten, imprisoned, and misunderstood, Paul stands before the Sanhedrin, surrounded not by supporters, but by enemies. His ministry seems to be unraveling. Yet, at this lowest point, something remarkable happens—Jesus shows up.
“But the following night the Lord stood by him and said, ‘Be of good cheer, Paul; for as you have testified for Me in Jerusalem, so you must also bear witness at Rome.’” – Acts 23:11
From this powerful verse, we learn four truths that offer encouragement in our darkest hours:
1. God’s Presence Is Constant
“The Lord stood by him.”
Paul wasn’t alone in that jail cell. And you’re not alone either. Though he was abandoned by friends and rejected by leaders, Paul found strength in the One who never forsakes. Just as God was present with Moses in the wilderness and Joseph in the prison, He is with us today.
You may not feel His presence, but the absence of feeling is not the absence of God. He is with you when life is bright—and when it’s unbearable. His presence isn’t dependent on your mood, your faith level, or your surroundings. He is Emmanuel, God with us.
2. God’s Command Brings Courage
“Be of good cheer.”
This wasn’t a suggestion; it was a command from Jesus. In the middle of Paul’s suffering, God didn’t offer sympathy—He offered strength. “Be courageous,” He said. “Take heart. Don’t quit.”
Courage doesn’t mean we aren’t afraid. It means we keep moving forward even when we are. Obedience in dark times is hard—but it’s in those very moments that God often does His deepest work. It’s not always about changing our circumstances, but about strengthening our spirit to endure.
Sometimes, taking that next step—getting out of bed, showing up to church, praying even when words fail—is the victory.
3. God Sees Your Faithfulness
“You have testified for Me in Jerusalem.”
Paul may have wondered if his efforts made any difference. He’d been beaten, rejected, and imprisoned. But Jesus noticed. Jesus affirmed. And Jesus praised.
In our success-driven culture, we often measure value by results. But God measures by faithfulness. Your quiet obedience, your private prayers, your unseen service—it all matters. Heaven cheers when you stay faithful, even when you don’t see the fruit.
You’re not forgotten. You’re not invisible. And you are not failing if you’re obeying.
4. God Has a Future for You
“You must also bear witness at Rome.”
What looked like the end for Paul was, in fact, just a detour. God still had a plan. Rome was still on the map. And Paul would get there—not in the way he expected, but in God’s perfect timing.
God’s promises do not expire in dark seasons. If He has spoken a purpose over your life, He will fulfill it. Whether you’re 22 or 92, if you’re still breathing, He’s not done with you.
Even if your health is failing, your role is changing, or your energy is low—you can still be a witness. You can still pray. You can still encourage. You still matter to the mission of God.
Be Encouraged Today
You might be in a place right now where you can relate to Paul. You feel discouraged. Maybe isolated. Maybe even tempted to quit. But let this truth sink in: the Lord stands by you.
Claim His presence. Obey His commands. Rest in His approval. And trust in His promise.
At The Open Door Church, we believe that no trial is too dark for God’s light to shine through. Let’s be a church that reminds one another that there is always hope, always strength, and always purpose—because Christ is with us.
“Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!” – Philippians 4:4
You are not alone. You are loved. And God is not finished with you yet.