Fresh Wind

Acts 18:5 When Silas and Timothy came from Macedonia, Paul devoted himself exclusively to preaching, testifying to the Jews that Jesus was the Christ. 
 
WHEN the Jews ascended the Temple Mount to worship, they would sing a song of ascents: Psalms 121:2 My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. How does God help us? He has sent his Helper. John 14:16 (Jesus said), “And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper – Counselor, Advocate – to be with you forever.” The Bible teaches us God’s people cannot do God’s work without God’s help. The apostle Paul certainly knew this to be true. We  have learned Paul needed help when he entered Corinth in weakness and fear, and with much trembling. (1 Corinthians 5:3). The Spirit helped Paul by sending Aquilla and Priscilla for companionship. For a time the three worked together as tentmakers.
   The Helper then helps Paul financially. Silas and Timothy came from Macedonia. Their arrival meant Paul devoted himself exclusively to preaching, testifying to the Jews that Jesus was the Christ. Paul no longer had to work at tentmaking because his co-workers had brough financial help from Macedonia. We know this because Paul wrote of it in 2 Corinthians 11:9 And when I was with you and needed something, I was not a burden to anyone, for the brothers who came from Macedonia supplied what I needed. I have kept myself from being a burden to you in any way, and will continue to do so.  
   Third, the Helper encouraged Paul’s gospel teaching. Paul learned his peaching was changing lives in Thessalonica.  1 Thessalonians 3:6 But Timothy has just now come to us from you and has brought good news about your faith and love… 7 Therefore, brothers, in all our distress and persecution we were encouraged about you because of your faith. 8 For now we really live, since you are standing firm in the Lord.
   God’s workers need help. When you are faithful to the Bible’s teachings, the Helper will strengthen you in your needs. When the opposition seems overwhelming, the Father wants you to know his help comes from heaven into your life to sustain, encourage and empower you. Paul understood and experienced God’s financial, emotional and spiritual help to effectively fulfill God’s mandate for his life. Paul needed to continually know the Helper’s help because opposition would not stop.
   You need help, too. To confess, “Jesus is my Lord and Savior.” exposes your life to many challenges. You can be separated emotionally or physically from people you love. You may find less opportunities for employment. Perhaps you encounter some form of spiritual opposition. Evil can attack with doubt, weariness or complacency. Jesus has sent his Helper for you. Pray and seek his strength. Be encouraged. Know the God of heaven and earth is always with you when you confess and teach, “Jesus is he Christ.”