Two years! What a long time to be in prison. Although it sounds like Paul has it pretty nice for being in jail. At least he is safe from his accusers. And, like Paul always does, he is not wasting an opportunity to witness and share with Felix and his wife. I wouldn’t expect any less.
I don’t think I can say that I’ve been that transparent in my life. I have certainly never been in jail or suffered to any extent for my faith. Have I lost friends or gotten people angry with me? Probably. But there are other times I just avoided the faith conversation due to lack of time or feeling inferior at the moment.
Maybe you can identify with that? There is an underlying fear that many of us have. We don’t want to say the wrong thing. We don’t want to look bad or not have the answer the people are looking for. But, do you know what? We can never say the wrong thing to the right people. They are counting on us to tell them the truth. If we don’t, then who? The kingdom s depending on us. All of us.
I can hear you thinking, “but I’m not like Paul. I don’t get all the great opportunities he has gotten.” I may even agree with you to a degree, but then I realize that if I am going to say that, I must not be looking hard enough. It has to be genuine for us. We don’t want to just go through the motions. That type of witnessing can be seen a mile away.
I’ve probably said this before, but witnessing using your own personal story is probably the best way to draw people in. That’s exactly what Paul is doing here as he talks with Felix in front of the other Jews who have brought charges against him. There is a sense of urgency as we have been called to this mission. If we don’t act, who are we missing?
There are so many people that don’t know Jesus or what he has done for us. When we focus on that and what that means for us, the words should start to come naturally. You and only you know the story that’s in your heart. Now it’s time to share it with others. Where there is doubt, ask God to crush it.
Let’s pray. Lord renew me and refresh me so that I am able to fight the good fight and bring people to know you. My issue is often finding the time or waiting for the “perfect” time. If we all waited for that, there wouldn’t be enough of us taking the time away from work or house matters. Help me get over myself and be the good steward of my faith in you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
