The following night

the Lord stood by him

and said,

"Take courage,

for as you have testified

to the facts about Me

in Jerusalem,

so you must testify also

                 in Rome."

                Acts 23.11

(Faithful right where we are

          in the now,

 faithful also in the next.

Be encouraged.

Faithful in what and where

  He has placed before us

prepares and equips

and strengthen us

             for the next.

Faithfulness is

       built in layers.

There are

    no small obediences.

We can never grasp

how God will use us,

how God is using us,

and who is watching,

listening,

and responding to Him.

Even here.

Even now,

     not just the next.)

O LORD,

Sometimes we have no idea

       what we are doing,

but we can remain faithful.

Grant to us the strength

and wisdom

and words of testimony

to bring Your name

      to this situation

and to those around us.

Help us to be quick to listen,

slow to speak,

slow to anger,

to respond instead of react,

and to take courage

to speak, to pray,

to follow You

         even in this situation.

Fill our pockets

      with Your grace,

fill our hearts

      with Your Spirit,

fill our words

      with testimony about You.