Now Is The Time: Acts Youth JourneySample

PAUL GOES BEFORE THE POWERS THAT BE AND SHARES THE POWER THAT IS— JESUS!

PRAY:

Lord, let my life count for you. I am inspired as I see how Paul shares your Word no matter where he is. What a neat and incredibly awesome way of life—it is the best way to live!

READ:

Acts 24.1-27

Leaving the Council, Paul is now brought before Governor Felix. A lawyer for the religious people trashed Paul before Governor Felix, and Paul is given the opportunity to speak in order to set the record straight. He disagrees with everything the lawyer has said and bluntly says that the whole issue of why he is being tried is related to the fact that he believes in the resurrection from the dead. Remember, Paul not only believed that God raised Jesus from the dead, but he himself, through the power of God, restored a man to life. Felix hears the case then says that he is going to wait for the Roman commander to come, in order to make a decision. Paul has to wait. But then several days later, the Governor along with his wife, Drusilla, call for Paul and he shares the love of God with them. Paul scares Felix when he tells him he has to live right, practice self-control, and adopt the behavior of those who follow God. Felix, who eventually goes out of office as governor, does not free Paul. Two years later, Paul is still in prison!

REFLECT:

God gives Paul these incredible opportunities to speak before people of influence, even while he is in trouble. But it is not easy for Paul. Could you wait on God for two years? Would you consider going against your beliefs if it would make life easier for you?

RESPOND:

Sometimes we get frustrated while waiting on God. Ask God to take away your anxiety and fill that space with peace.

God, your Word says those who wait on you will renew their strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles, they will run and not be weary, they will walk and not faint. So God, in the midst of my anxiousness, teach me to wait on you. Show me what it means to wait on you, for real.