Obstacle or Opportunity?
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Acts 26
It was Teddy Roosevelt who said, “Far better it is to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs, even though checkered by failure, than to take rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy much nor suffer much, because they live in the gray twilight that knows neither victory nor defeat.”
In Acts 26, the apostle Paul dares mighty things. I love this chapter! I love that the man with everything on the line acts if he has nothing to loose. Paul isn't on trial; he's in church. He's not defending his life; he's preaching the gospel. He's not trying to win his case; he's trying to win his judges. I love his faithfulness, his clarity and his boldness.
(Acts 26:8) "Why should any of you consider it incredible that God raises the dead?"
If you are looking for an example to follow, look no further. Where most people (me included) would see only obstacles, Paul saw opportunities. Felix, Festus and Agrippa might have thought Paul was their prisoner, but Paul thought of them as his captive audience.
This is my favorite part!
(Acts 26:24-29) At this point Festus interrupted Paul’s defense. “You are out of your mind, Paul!” he shouted. “Your great learning is driving you insane.”
“I am not insane, most excellent Festus,” Paul replied. “What I am saying is true and reasonable. The king is familiar with these things, and I can speak freely to him. I am convinced that none of this has escaped his notice, because it was not done in a corner. King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know you do.”
Then Agrippa said to Paul, “Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?”
Paul replied, “Short time or long—I pray to God that not only you but all who are listening to me today may become what I am, except for these chains.”
Prayer:
Father, help us to see the opportunities in the obstacles. Help us to love you and love others so much that your glory and their good is what fills our minds instead of our own nervousness, discomfort, fear or pride.
BOBBY PRUITT | Lead Pastor
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1 Comment
CONNIE TURNER Feb 28, 2014 @ 6:35 am
PAUL'S BOLDNESS IS ENCOURAGING TO ME WHILE SPEAKING TO HIS AUTHORITY FIGURES, BUT ONLY AFTER BOBBIE PRAYED FOR ME JUST NOW DO I SEE BOLDNESS AND AN OPPORTUNITIE TO SHARE THE GOSPEL EVEN WHEN I AM UNCOMFORTABLE AND NERVOUS ABOUT SPEAKING FOR JESUS. I DO HAVE AN OPPRTUNITY TO SHARE THE GOSPEL WITH SOMEONE WHO ALREADY CLAIMS TO BE A CHRISTIAN. I PRAY FOR GOD'S HOLY SPIRIT TO COME OVER ME WHEN I MEET WITH THIS PERSON AGAIN AND LET HIS WORDS PERMIATE THE ROOM AND OUR CONVERSATION AND LIKE PAULS LISTENERS WHO THINIK THEY KNOW ALL ABOUT GOD THAT I COULD LEAVE AN IMPRESSION FOR GOD'S GLORY FOR THEM TO CHEW ON. JUST BECAUSE WE DON'T GET AN IMMEDIATE RESPONSE FROM SOMEONE TO FALL ON THIER KNEES AT THAT TIME THE SEED HAS BEEN PLANTED AND WE SHOULD CONTINUE TO PRAY FOR THEM TO BE CONVICTED BY GOD OF THIER SIN AND THEN ONE DAY HEAR THE GOSPEL AGAIN AND THAT IS WHY WE SHOULD TAKE EVERY OPPORTUNITY TO SPEAK OF GOD'S GRACE.