Shielded by Favour in Hostile Places
- Baptist Daily Devotional
- Nov 17, 2025
- 2 min read
Rev. Tetteh-Annor Larbi | November 17 2025 | Acts 19:28-32
KEY VERSE: “Even some of the officials of the province, friends of Paul, sent him a message begging him not to venture into the theatre.” (Acts 19:31, NIV)
MESSAGE:
As the riot in Ephesus intensified, Paul desired to go into the theatre to address the angry crowd. But the disciples—and even some of the Asiarchs, officials of the province who were friends of Paul—pleaded with him not to enter. Their intervention protected him from stepping into a situation designed to destroy him. This moment gives us a glimpse of how God provides unexpected favour, sometimes from people outside the faith, to shield His servants in moments of danger.
Paul’s ministry was marked by courage and discernment. Courage does not always mean stepping forward. At times, it means yielding to God’s prompting and the wisdom He sends through others. God’s protection can come through a warning, a closed opportunity, or an unlikely ally. In places of hostility, His unseen hand becomes our defence. Paul’s assignment was not cut short; it was preserved for greater impact later.
We must hold this truth: God protects those He sends, and His provision does not rest on human strength. He protects through His sovereign arrangements, opening and closing doors according to His purposes. Our task is to depend fully on Him, listening for His guidance and trusting His provision for the journey.
FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE:
Are you walking through a season of hostility, tension, or misunderstanding? Trust that God is placing the right people, wisdom, and favour around you. He knows how to safeguard His children. Whether through mentors, leaders, colleagues, or even strangers, God works behind the scenes. Listen carefully for His direction, and walk with confidence that His care surrounds you.
PRAYER:
Thank You, Lord, for the protection You provide for Your children on their assignments. We pray for our brothers and sisters serving in places of persecution and opposition. Cover them with Your favour, preserve their lives, and strengthen their witness. For Your dear name’s sake. Amen.
THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING.
SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!
The 365 DAILY BIBLE READING
DAILY word study: VENTURE The word venture is a verb, translated in Greek as tolmáō, which means to dare, to have courage, to take a bold step, to act with confidence, often in the face of risk. It carries the idea of proceeding into something that is not guaranteed to be safe, yet choosing to move forward because of conviction.
In Acts 19:31, the officials begged Paul not to “venture” into the theatre — not to tolmáō — because the danger was clear. Paul had the courage to go, but God used others to restrain him for his preservation and future assignment.
Reflect on this:
There are moments when God calls you to dare, and moments when He lovingly holds you back. Wisdom grows when you learn to sense the difference and follow His leading with trust.
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