Acts 21:4 We sought out the disciples there and stayed with them seven days. Through the Spirit they urged Paul not to go on to Jerusalem.
My students and I have been having very interesting conversations this past week about failure, the nature of failure, the value of learning from failure, and the fact that failure is not valued by most people.
Acts 21:10-11 After we had been there a number of days, a prophet named Agabus came down from Judea. Coming over to us, he took Paul’s belt, tied his own hands and feet with it and said, “The Holy Spirit says, ‘In this way the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem will bind the owner of this belt and will hand him over to the Gentiles.’ ”
Today’s scripture brought these conversations to mind. I don’t like pain and suffering. I’m not a big fan of inconvenience of any sort. Most people aren’t. But I have learned that if I allow God access to my whole heart during such trials, He will draw me closer to Him in trials than I can ever get when times are good.
Acts 21:12-13 When we heard this, we and the people there pleaded with Paul not to go up to Jerusalem. Then Paul answered, “Why are you weeping and breaking my heart? I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.”
Lord, Thank You for the reminder that failure and suffering can be useful in this life if we allow You to access to our hearts, if we strive to draw closer to You through our difficulties. Help me draw closer to You every minute of every day. Thank You that You can turn my ashes into beauty. Amen.
Acts 21:33 The commander came up and arrested him and ordered him to be bound with two chains. Then he asked who he was and what he had done.
Have a blessed day.