Acts 23:10 The dispute became so violent that the commander was afraid Paul would be torn to pieces by them. He ordered the troops to go down and take him away from them by force and bring him into the barracks.
Have you ever felt so beleaguered by your circumstances that you just want a break, you just want God to cut you some slack, give you a little rest, just a chance to get your feet under you and catch your breath? The fatalist in me is starting to think that’s my permanent condition these days. Today’s scripture is showing me that my pity party is wearing thin. If I’m bemoaning my circumstances, then God’s not at my center. I am. That’s not good.
Acts 23:11 The following night the Lord stood near Paul and said, “Take courage! As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome.”
Commentary says of this section: “We often demand that Jesus deliver us out of our circumstances, when He wants to meet us right in them….” That’s a message straight for my heart today. Are you struggling in a similar manner? Take heart. He sees us. He knows. He is waiting to meet us in the middle of our circumstances.
Acts 23:14 They went to the chief priests and the elders and said, “We have taken a solemn oath not to eat anything until we have killed Paul.
Lord, I didn’t even realize I was making life about me. Forgive me. I am struggling. Help me. Meet me in my mess. Draw me closer to You. Help me to shine Your light. Amen.
Acts 23:24 Provide horses for Paul so that he may be taken safely to Governor Felix.”
Have a blessed day.