Hello Advent Family,

How do you respond in difficult situations?  Do you have a tendency to tap into your fight or your flight instincts?  It is always interesting to see how people respond to the most stressful of situations in life.  Some turn to their support group of friends and family.  Others avoid people all together.  Some lash out and seek to hurt others.  Paul has this amazing tendency in the midst of difficult situations to use them to his advantage and share the message of the gospel.  Let’s look at his encounter with Felix in Acts 24.

When the governor motioned for him to speak, Paul replied: “I know that for a number of years you have been a judge over this nation; so I gladly make my defense. 11 You can easily verify that no more than twelve days ago I went up to Jerusalem to worship. 12 My accusers did not find me arguing with anyone at the temple, or stirring up a crowd in the synagogues or anywhere else in the city. 13 And they cannot prove to you the charges they are now making against me. 14 However, I admit that I worship the God of our ancestors as a follower of the Way, which they call a sect. I believe everything that is in accordance with the Law and that is written in the Prophets, 15 and I have the same hope in God as these men themselves have, that there will be a resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked. 16 So I strive always to keep my conscience clear before God and man… 24 Several days later Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish. He sent for Paul and listened to him as he spoke about faith in Christ Jesus. 25 As Paul talked about righteousness, self-control and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and said, “That’s enough for now! You may leave. When I find it convenient, I will send for you.”

Paul got opportunities over two years to share his faith with Felix and other key leaders while he was imprisoned but given tons of freedom.  He used this opportunity to write some of the books of the Bible that we have today as well.  It would have been very easy for Paul to lose heart or even become angry and discouraged.  Instead he made the very most of the situation and there is no telling how many people have been touched by the gospel as a result.  The next time that you are walking through a difficult situation or circumstance look for an opportunity to use that for ministry.  You just may be surprised at how God uses that and how He gives you extra strength to make it through.

In His Grip,

Pastor Dave