Waiting to be Heard
Have you ever been insulted for having faith in Jesus or even persecuted? As I read Acts 24, I could not help but see Paul responding with gentleness and respect as he defended himself and the Gospel of Jesus. Read it again if you missed it. He was prepared for this path God was leading him on. He was ready to be heard. I wonder how many of us when we are under pressure respond with gentleness and respect. Stress often brings the ugly out, but not for Paul in this moment.
I love what Paul says and certainly was in the business of practicing. It is recorded in Philippians 4:6-7, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” I have no doubt that Paul was praying and that it was the Spirit of God that enabled him to have the gentleness and respect once he spoke.
As I look at my own life as a husband, dad, neighbor, and pastor amongst other paths God has put me on, I am still learning the power of prayer as it pertains to stressful situations. What I do know is that there are trials in every path that God leads us down. Both new and old paths have trials. These trials need to be met with gentleness and respect, both virtues that Jesus lived out and that the Holy Spirit wants to manifest in our lives. These trials that call for sacrifice are new opportunities, beginnings that God wants to use to share His Story through me. Yes, there is forgiveness and new mercy for the times we fail under the trial, but there is also the Spirit of God living in us. Today may God give you a new opportunity to live out your faith with gentleness and respect.