Paul kept being arrested. Why? Because it gave Paul an opportunity to preach to world leaders.
In Philippi, Paul led the jailer and his family to Christ. When Paul wanted to go to Jerusalem, everyone told him he would be arrested. He went anyway. When a crowd gathered, Paul preached to the crowd, and some were saved. Paul would have been thrilled to speak because he knew God would use him to plant seeds, water seeds, or bring in the harvest (1 Corinthians 3:6). God’s Word would not return empty (Isaiah 55:11).
When Paul was arrested, he spoke to the Sanhedrin. Next Paul was sent to Felix the governor. He preached to him many times over the next TWO YEARS. Then Festus became governor and Paul preached to him. Then King Agrippa and his wife arrived and Paul preached to them. Then Paul was sent to Rome, preached to the 276 people on board ship. Once in Rome, Paul preached to the Jews, preaching in a house for another two years. Finally, Paul was released.
God does not see things as we do.
“For my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts” Isaiah 55:9.
What we consider disaster, God may consider ministry opportunity. Sometimes the greatest opportunity comes disguised as the greatest adversity.
Is your life different from the lives of the lost? Do you live a life that would make people ask what is different? Do you know how to answer (1 Peter 3:15)?
Jesus said, “In this world you will have trouble” John 16:33. Adversity is guaranteed. Are you prepared?
One key is looking at EVERY SITUATION as a chance to share your faith. Life is not about you—your goals, your pleasure, your comfort. Life is about bringing the message of hope, forgiveness, and salvation to a lost and dying world. Are you ready?
God remind us that we live for YOU. Teach us how to see adversity as an opportunity to share our faith.
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