D.L.

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“So the church throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria had peace and was strengthened. Living in the fear of the Lord and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, it increased in numbers.” (Acts 9,31 CSB17)

God is an expert at turning things around, even the most impossible. Our minds and hearts can take up so much space, and worries, anxiety, and fear take up so much space. Therefore, we must realise that we are not on our own and have the Presence of God through his Holy Spirit, who always encourages us.
I know this for two reasons. First, when Luke wrote this verse almost at the end of the chapter, the great Apostle Paul encountered Christ. This is where he went from being Saul, chief persecutor of the Church, to Paul, chief apostle and missionary to his people and the Gentiles. Paul experienced a conversion that led to commissioning and empowerment from the Holy Spirit.
Second, personally, the greatest and the closest I have come before the Lord is when I am facing persecution, accusations, and attacks from the enemy. I have witnessed the hand of the Lord giving much grace to sustain me. It is there where the encouragement of the Holy Spirit is natural and effective.
Yet, we may choose to ignore his encouragement and reject it. When we do that, we tell him we are self-sufficient and still want to control our little kingdoms.
The Church enjoyed peace and was much fortified and increased in numbers; they realised that the executor of the Church now was a brother in Christ. The enemy lost a powerful player, and the Church gained a man who wrote much of the New Testament and has influenced thousands upon thousands of people in every century.
Now, the Church gains much ground under the fear of the Lord, that is, His Lordship and encouragement of His Spirit.
This gaining is not just corporately but also personal. We need the encouragement of the Holy Spirit; imagine that!!