Acts 20-23

Today's passage: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=acts%2020-23&version=NIV

While reading today’s passage, I couldn’t help but sit in awe of Paul’s boldness. He was able to stand firm in his beliefs and remain true to his mission in the midst of intense persecution. It was his faith that allowed him to do so. He had faith in a sovereign, unchanging, all knowing, all powerful, forever true Lord. He believed firmly in God’s promises. He knew that God is who He says He is and will do what He says He will do. He knew that God’s ways are higher than our ways and that his wisdom is immeasurable, beyond our understanding. He believed that God has a plan for his people and that it is a good plan. Paul’s actions reflect his faith and God pulls out all the stops to protect Paul so that he may fulfill the mission that God has placed in his heart.

Here’s a word from Chuck Swindoll on Acts 23:

“Not one assassin but forty of them! Forty determined terrorists, operating under cover of secrecy. All of them vowing, "We will not eat or drink until we've killed him." The plan was treacherous and set in motion by those who wanted him dead. What they hadn't counted on was an unlikely ally for Paul. His nephew had overheard everything and made tracks to warn his uncle.

Remarkably, Paul's nephew plays a major role in his survival. He is not mentioned by name, and we never hear of him again. Then how did he know about the ambush? Only God knows.
Meanwhile, the Roman commander was feeling relieved, proud of his wise handling of the situation. His musings were interrupted by a reluctant knock at the door. The news couldn't be good. One of his centurions reports that the young man with him has some important information about a conspiracy to kill Paul. The Roman commander wasn't about to let some scrappy band of fanatics spoil his plan to bring Paul safely to Rome. So he pulled out all the stops.

Uniformed, armed, and trained soldiers. Four hundred and seventy-two to forty rag-tag conspirators. Nice odds. Talk about overkill. The guy would not be outdone. He made sure no one could get to Paul. Remember God's promise? "You must witness at Rome." This is just part of that divine plan. It was as if God said, "I know what I am doing. I will escort you down to Caesarea by the Sea with full protection. You are in My hand." A massive official escort—that would work just fine.

What a comforting story. Despite the odds stacked against him, Paul was never removed from God's protective hand. And neither are you.

Are you feeling alone, mistreated, misunderstood, forsaken? Remember this true account. God is at work. He's there, working behind the scenes. He'll work it out. He has a plan. Just when you're convinced the bottom is about to drop out from under you, He steps in and lifts you to safety. For Paul, he used an unlikely and virtually anonymous ally, a nameless nephew who comes out of the shadows at precisely the right time. God's timing is always perfectly synchronized with His will. Remember that. And be comforted.”

Paul had faith that God was in control and would fufill his promise to protect Him. I pray that as you reflect on this passage that you focus on your own faith and the resulting actions. Pray that God will build a faith like Paul’s in your heart…so that your actions for Him are bold; so that you may stand strong; so that you may join Him in increasing the future population of heaven.

Today's post submitted by Kelly Coxe