Acts 28:20 (Phillips) “But it is because of this accusation of the Jews that I have asked to see you and talk matters over with you. In actual fact it is on account of the hope of Israel that I am here in chains. … (23-24) When they had arranged a day for him they came to his lodging in great numbers. From morning till evening he explained the kingdom of God to them, giving his personal testimony, trying to persuade them about Jesus from the Law of Moses and the Prophets. As a result several of them were won over by his words, but others would not believe.”
2 Tim 4:1-2 (Phillips) “I urge you, Timothy, as we live in the sight of God and of Christ Jesus (whose coming in power will judge the living and the dead), to preach the Word of God. Never lose your sense of urgency, in season or out of season. Prove, correct, and encourage, using the utmost patience in your teaching.”
Observation
Paul was single-minded in achieving what God gave him to do – never distracted by circumstances, situations or events from staying the course to fulfill his God-given purpose, his mission, his calling – always willing to be a sacrifice (“here in chains”) if that was required to obey God’s call. When an angel of God told him that he was going to Rome, nothing that happened subsequently could make him doubt that he would arrive safely in Rome in God’s perfect timing. Storm, shipwreck, threats of death and poisonous snakebite were all just events to endure along the way. I don’t hear him fretting about the delay.
No matter where or in what circumstances he found himself, he was instant in season and out along the way – always ready to use every opportunity to demonstrate God’s power and preach the Gospel; he believed AND practiced what he preached (2 Tim 4). He did not “lose his sense of urgency” in whatever circumstance or place in which he found himself. He shared the Gospel on the sea and on the shore, during the storm and during the calm, seizing the opportunities presented by a snakebite and a healing to open the ears and hearts of a fresh audience, – always keeping his eyes on the calling to which he was called – always content to let the return on his investment, the cost to him, and the price he paid be measured by God – ever confident in God’s ability to fulfill His will and purpose in His perfect time. Reminds me of Jesus…
Impact on Me
I do get distracted by circumstances, situations and events. It is especially hard for me to wait for God’s perfect timing, to remember that He will get me where I need to be, equipped as I need to be, when I need to be there to fulfill His will, purpose and calling on my life. I want to suddenly transport to that final destination – get busy, get on with it!!! – rather than trust in the wisdom and timing of His plan for me. Like a truculent child, I am sure that I am ready NOW and should have what I want NOW. I need to be more like Paul, more like Jesus – trusting without question in God’s perfect plan, perfect timing, perfect preparation plan and training, perfect execution.
No matter where or in what circumstances I find myself, I need to look for opportunities to: train for and practice my calling, grow in faith, release the Holy Spirit’s anointing, give God control of my location, situation, circumstances. In other words, be fully submitted to God and His will, purpose, and plan for me. I need to be more like Paul, more like Jesus – watching for ways to be used along the road as a means of preparation for the ultimate fulfillment of my calling, rather than focusing so much on the end of the journey (my vision of fulfillment of God’s call on my life) that I ignore the opportunities along the way to demonstrate the love, grace, redemption, righteousness, peace and joy which I have in Christ.
Devotion
Lord God, Loving Father, Perfect Teacher, You are holy and gracious to extend grace so many times. Again, I find myself at the Cross, confessing my failures, my pride, my selfishness that causes me to want my own way rather than Yours, grateful for forgiveness but sorrowful that I come looking for the same forgiveness AGAIN. Lord, I pray that I will fully embrace Your Cross, always be aware of Your Blood staining me, and the price You paid for me to be reconciled and redeemed, so that I will be grateful and aware enough to make better choices to be more like You, content and ever watchful as I follow the pathway Father God has planned for me.
Pressing On In His Footsteps 