Sometimes in life, things that do not seem fair happen. It may be a diagnosis, a divorce, years of infertility, loss of a job, death or simply a prolonged season of difficulties in which you feel that you cannot take a break. Whatever it is, sometimes it may seem that life is treating a bad hand. But what would happen if this horrible situation, difficulties or circumstances could be seen in a different light? What would happen if this time was going to bring opportunities that would not have offered him if he has not experienced it? What happens if it is more about our perspective during the time?
In the fact book, we see Paul facing many difficulties. He faced persecution, beatings, shipwrecks, arrest, imprisonment and more. It was almost beaten until death on multiple occasions, but how surprising we see is how Paul looks at these things from a perspective of the kingdom.
In Acts 21, Paul is arrested after some Jewish leaders formed a mafia against him. Paul escapes for little death, but uses all opportunities to talk about his testimony. It moves from city to city and leader to leader to decide his destiny. Finally place him before Governor Felix. Paul gave his testimony and spoke about Christ again. Felix would call Paul to come to him from prison quite frequently to talk about his faith. Once after Paul shared, Felix was scared.
«» Go for now, «he replied.» When I am more convenient, I will call you again. «I also expected Paul to bribe him, so he sent him quite frequently and spoke with him. Acts 24: 25b-27
Paul was basically arrested without cause and tried with prison for more than two years. Two whole years! And then Felix left him in prison so that the next rulers have to decide on his destiny. We see in the next chapters that Paul supplicates his case again to the new rulers. As Paul is appealing to King Agrippa, he makes this statement:
«Some Jews arrested me in the temple for preaching this, and tried to kill me. But God has protected me until this moment so that I can testify to all, from the slightest to the greatest.» Acts 26:22
Paul was willing to have the mentality and the perspective that God had saved his life and that is why he had given many opportunities to testify to others, at least to the greatest. Paul knows that he would probably have not had the opportunity to share the Gospel with these main leaders without their imprisonment. His two years in prison had given him multiple opportunities to share about Christ with a variety of leaders. He knew that this prolonged difficulty had provided access that he would never have had otherwise.
What an amazing perspective to have in the midst of difficulties! How do we see those difficult times in our lives? Do we look at them from an earthly perspective and get tired during those seasons or do we step back and look at what God could be doing during these times? How could you use difficulties or proof for your glory? What could be doing this season to advance in his kingdom and cultivate in our relationship with him? As we go through difficult times, our perspective can change the way we support and allow God to use everything.
This devotional was written by Amy Carrico to make the moments import. Click HERE To follow her on Facebook!
Last update on June 23, 2025
