Extended Stay

Governor Felix puts the trial on hold, keeping Paul in prison. He extends visitation rights to Paul’s friends, also keeping Paul close by so he can ask curious questions about this new faith. This goes on for two years until Felix’s term is up.

Read: Acts 24:17-27(NLT)

Explore the Theme: Although he gave Paul some loose confinement rules, God basically lets Paul sit for two solid years in prison. Did Paul ever find this unfair? Did he ever feel forsaken by God?

How was Paul able to trust that God was allowing this for a reason? What would it have taken for him to make the most of what was happening and share the gospel with those he came in contact with?

Ask God: None of us like to be inconvenienced or treated unfairly. When have you been treated unfairly? How did you struggle? Talk to God about that time and share with him what you felt (forsaken? alone?). Ask God to show you how he was present with you during that time. Ask him to remind you of his sovereign reign and control amidst what may look chaotic and scary. Ask God to give you a perspective like Paul’s.

Live it Out: There is no better witness for God than taking what is seemingly a blow of deep disappointment and turning it for good. How can you take any current derailing of your plans and making something of eternal value come from it? As you go through your week and different situations pop up, focus on going with the flow when disappointments and changes of plans invariably occur, stopping to consciously acknowledge a sovereign God who is still in control.