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 ESV)

In the Book of Acts, chapter 18, Paul visited Corinth to preach the gospel and encourage new believers. The Lord told him to stay longer and that no one would harm him. God knew that there was trouble that would lie ahead of him. The Jews who opposed Paul turned him into the tribunal to be punished by the Romans, accusing him of violating God’s laws. However, the hearing of their case was denied, and the head of their synagogue was physically beaten instead of Paul. The Lord shielded his servant from harm just as he promised!

There are so many historical accounts of God being a shield and protector of his people: Noah’s ark, the cloud separating Israel and Egypt, the Red Sea parting and providing safe passage, and Jesus calming a storm. There is no reason for us to have any fear when we walk under the covering of God because no one is powerful enough to overcome his will.

And if harm were to ever fall on us, he still protects our souls. For Jesus promised that the “one who endures will be saved” (Matthew 10:22).

He also said, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand. I and the Father are one” (John 10:27-30).

So the next time we encounter heavy opposition while doing God’s work, let us quickly remember that our Father is greater and that his plans will always prevail. There is no person, burden, or disease that will stop us from seeing God and entering his promised land.