Acts 24:24-25:12

Be still: Lord, still my restless heart, gather my senses and speak to me in this reading of your holy Word. Reveal Jesus to me and renew my mind. Amen

Read: Acts 24:24-25:12

When two years had passed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus, but because Felix wanted to grant a favour to the Jews, he left Paul in prison. (v27)

Encounter: Paul was imprisoned for two years at Caesarea. He was further imprisoned for two years in Rome. During that time, he penned the letters of Colossians, Philemon, Ephesians and Philippians. I’d say that was a pretty productive four years. 

John Bunyan was a puritan preacher and writer in 17th century England. He was imprisoned six months for publicly preaching the gospel without a licence. (As can happen and, worse to our persecuted brethren.) These words are attributed to him: 'I have been away from my writing too long. Maybe this is not so much a prison as an office from which I can reach the world with Christ's message.' During that time, he wrote one of the most beloved and recognised Christian allegories of all time—The Pilgrim’s Progress. 

We may think the 'prisons' in our lives are dead ends stopping us from living out God’s purpose and calling. In Paul’s case his imprisonment over four total years turned out to be the office in which four books of the Bible were written. What a testimony! What if the places where God has made us stop, have been ordained because he has an assignment that can only be accomplished by standing still? I once heard someone say: 'Get into the habit of believing God has you right where he wants you.' I love this because it instantly changes 'God is not here' to 'God I know you’re here. Where are you?'

Apply: If you feel you’re stuck, in a rut, or trapped, ask God, 'Where are you in this situation?' Ask for patience to endure hardship. Ask for breakthrough for answers and guidance. Above all, ask for peace so we echo Paul's words, 'I have learned to be content whatever the circumstance… I can do all things through him who gives me strength.' (Philippians 4:11-13)

Devote: Lord, Jesus I look to you, the One who says, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' (2 Cor, 12:9). Lead me today in your grace.