Acts 24

When two years had passed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus, but because Felix wanted to grant a favor to the Jews, he left Paul in prison. ‭‭Acts‬ ‭24‬:‭27‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Paul’s story is such a great example of how we can be content in life, no matter what is happening, as long as we trust God and His plan.  His life also teaches us what a powerful impact we can have for the Kingdom of God by being obedient to God’s voice, and by making the most out of our circumstances.  In Acts 23:11, God told Paul that he must preach the Gospel in Rome.  Although he remained imprisoned in Caesarea for two years, He waited patiently and continued to trust that God would somehow get him to Rome.  After enduring another trial, evading murder, experiencing a shipwreck, and being bitten by a venomous snake, Paul finally arrives in Rome in Acts 28.  But instead of being a free man who is able to travel and spread the Gospel, he spends another two years under guard on house arrest.  Not exactly the dream preaching job that he had hoped for!  Rather than letting his unfortunate circumstances affect his thoughts, his mood, and his work for God’s Kingdom, he seized every opportunity and worked with what he had.  This took great discipline to avoid focusing on what he did NOT have and what he could NOT do, and to instead focus on what he DID have and what he COULD do.  How did he do this?  Paul tells us his secret in Philippians 4:12-13: “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.  I can do all this through Him who gives me strength.”  So what did Paul do while on house arrest in Rome for two years?  Paul witnessed to the Roman guards and anyone he came into contact with.  He summoned groups of people to come to him so that he could share his testimony since he could not go to the synagogues.  He continued to encourage fellow believers who came to visit him, like Timothy, Tychicus, Mark, as well as many Roman Christians.  He wrote personal letters, as well as formal letters to encourage the churches in Ephesus, Philippi and Colosse.  These letters, which are now the New Testament books of Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians and Philemon, have influenced millions of Christians over thousands of years!  So let’s all remember the lessons that Paul has taught us, and allow God to do His work in us and through us, regardless of our circumstances.  Make sure to focus on and take advantage of the opportunities that He gives you today!