God has Prepared You for That
Acts 26:12-32
Paul follows the Lord’s lead even when decisions are being made for him. He realizes that he is not a free man. Often, we don’t think of discovering God’s will by submitting to difficult situations in our lives. But the Lord reveals what he’s doing to us, step by step, day by day. We must embrace what’s before us in the moment, right now, for the glory of God!
God has uniquely equipped each of us for our life situations. We must embrace our unique walk with the Lord. When we look at Paul’s tumultuous journey, knowing he faced false accusations, imprisonment, beatings, and on and on his trials went – we see his unwavering faith and the work of the Lord in his life.
Paul’s transformation from Saul to Paul highlights the crucial difference between being religious and having a genuine relationship with God. Going through the motions doesn’t save you…. ever. Many in the church today are very religious; their life is filled with religion, morality, church-going, and supporting good causes. Paul began as Saul – a radical rabbi, a Christian persecutor who wanted to defend his beliefs. But he was a changed man when Jesus met him on the road to Damascus. It’s fascinating to see the changes God brings into the lives of those born again! That is who Jesus is – a forgiver of sin and a restorer of hope!
Isn’t this amazing? When Jesus meets Saul on the road, He is speaking to His enemy! Why? Because God loves His enemies. He pursues them in love. We need to start rethinking our enemies. How are we thinking of them? How do we address them? Do we pray for them?
Remember, we do not wrestle with flesh and blood. It’s a spiritual battle. And how much better: rather than winning an argument politically, economically, health-wise, school-wise, or whatever it might be… how much better to win a soul for all of eternity? Share the gospel of Jesus Christ; it changes everything.
Even though Paul didn’t know it, God was preparing him from birth for ministry. His background in Greek and Hebrew cultures, Roman citizenship, and ability to make tents—all of it! God was at work in his life long before he ever realized it!
God has also prepared or foreordained the ministry and service of your life! He has been preparing you, and He is preparing you! Everything you have gone through has been preparation. Sometimes, preparation takes a while, so be patient and stay moldable. As God begins to use us for His Kingdom, as we look back, we can see God’s hand upon each of the circumstances and situations we encounter.
One other thing to note in this section of scripture is we can’t control how others react to us, but we can control how we respond to them. Paul tells Festus that when Jesus spoke, he acted right away! Who was he to argue with God? Paul acknowledges that his obedience to the Lord is the entire reason he was seized and in this predicament. In Acts 26:22, Paul states that he can only stand there witnessing them because of the Lord. But how does Festus respond? You’re crazy, Paul! Nuts, insane, cuckoo! Instead of retaliating or becoming defensive, Paul is calm and respectful. Let’s rethink how we interact with those who disagree or come against us. Respond with love and the desire for reconciliation rather than hostility. Let’s live out Matthew 5:16: “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”
