Therefore Take Heart!

Acts 27:25(NKJV)

25Therefore take heart, men, for I believe God that it will be just as it was told me. 

What does the phrase "take heart" mean?  It means to draw or gain courage.  It's real easy to get down when we are going through trials and tribulations.  And yet as I pointed out the other day, how are we told to deal with our tribulations?

Romans 5:3(NKJV)

3And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; 

Here is the definition of glory that I think best fits this usage.

8. (v.i.) glory

to exult with triumph; rejoice proudly (usu. fol. by in):

Their parents gloried in their success.

Pasted from <http://www.definitions.net/definition/glory>

So we are supposed to rejoice that we are going through tough times?  How does that make sense?  Here is how.  Let's go back to the first scripture above.

"for I believe God that it will be just as it was told me."

Do you believe that?  That is the key right there.  Do you truly believe God "that  it will be just as it was told to me?" 

Then there is your answer.  God has given us lots of promises in His Word and we can depend or stand on those promises.  Here is one example. 

Romans 8:28(NKJV)

28And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. 

We've all heard this scripture before.  These aren't just words in some book.  These words are a promise from God.  Do you believe it?  Notice it doesn’t say life will always be rosy for those who believe.  It says that all things will work out. 

So if you are going through tough times, get in the Word to learn God's promises and then take heart, draw courage from those promises because I can assure you that it will be just as God said!