Purpose in Delay – Act 25
“And on the morrow, when Agrippa was come, and Bernice, with great pomp, and was entered into the place of hearing, with the chief captains, and principal men of the city, at Festus’ commandment Paul was brought forth.” — Acts 25:23
Paul, the great missionary, is off the road. For two years, he has been bound and imprisoned in Caesarea. His case and his situation are quite uncertain, but then a new governor comes on the scene. Once again, Paul is called for and has further opportunities to share His story and the gospel before the governor and before very important people in the land.
In our lives, there are times of great activity and then times of delay. There are times when we might enjoy much attention, and very likely more times when we feel forgotten. This is all part of being a follower of Jesus, to abound and to be abased.
As Paul says in Philippians while in prison, he was able to be content in whatever state he found himself because of Christ who strengthened him. We need to find the same strength in Christ as well.
As we face times of uncertainty, delay, and confusion, we can be content, not because we understand everything, but we know who Christ is and we trust Him to work things out for us.