Begin with 2 minutes of silence and stillness before God.

Father God, help me to quiet my spirit, to hear Your voice from Your Word, and to respond as You desire.

What do you do with idle time? Waiting at the doctor’s office or possibly stuck in road construction traffic? Do you wait well? My family will tell you I have a lot of room for improvement on this front.

In our reading today, we see Paul’s accusers along with Tertullus, a smooth-talking spokesman, stating their case before Governor Felix. Paul responds to their accusations, and ultimately Felix decides to take a pass on a ruling but to retain Paul in custody; allowing him to have some liberty and for his friends to tend to his needs.

In verse 27 we learn Paul is in custody for two years before Felix was succeeded by Festus. Two years with no verdict! Felix would often visit with Paul but kept him in custody desiring to do the Jews a favor.

I’m not sure how I would have responded in that situation, but Paul at that time, being shown some liberty, wrote to the church. And those writings are what make up a large portion of the New Testament. To think that in a season that looks like a setback, God would use Paul to encourage and challenge the church then and today!

What season are you in that God is wanting to use? Are you facing something uncomfortable, that might resemble a setback in the world’s eyes? Could it be something God is wanting to use to grow you or others? Many times friends can help us gain spiritual perspectives in seasons of hardships if we can be vulnerable enough to share them.

Take 2 minutes to reflect in silence.

• Prayer: God, thank You for the mercy and grace You show me, the love and forgiveness You author. God, help me to see situations from an eternal perspective where You desire to stretch me. Please use me among my family, friends, and community to share Your faithfulness.

Family Devo: Paul Defends Himself

By: Scott Strahan

As Jewish leaders came to where Paul would be tried by Governor Felix, they told the governor many things about Paul’s behavior that were not true; they said he stirred up trouble among the Jewish people and started riots in the city.

Paul was then given a chance to speak, to tell his side of the story. He explained that he had simply gone to Jerusalem to worship. He went on to tell the governor that he, just like the Jewish leaders, believes all the scriptures, including that there would one day be a resurrection and judgment of all people who had died. Paul also explained that he had always tried to live in ways that honored God and were fair and just to all people.

After having heard all these things, Governor Felix was unsure of what to do. He felt pressured by the Jewish leaders to convict and punish Paul, but he apparently believed Paul and that he had done nothing to deserve the severe punishment the Jews desired.

As believers, we sometimes feel pressured and have a hard time knowing what to do. God tells us in James 1:5-6 to put our faith in Him and ask him for wisdom to know and do what is right. He also tells us in James 4:17 that it is sinful to know what is right but not do it.

Governor Felix apparently believed Paul because he ordered the jail guards to give Paul certain freedoms and privileges not given to other prisoners. He also brought his wife with him to hear Paul teach about Christ, His righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come. Governor Felix, again having a hard time doing what he knew was right, sent Paul back to his cell. Governor Felix spent more time with Paul after that, and eventually, he was replaced by a different governor and Paul remained in prison.

The lesson? Sometimes, when we fail to do the right thing, like Felix, we lose an opportunity to do good and lose control the situation.

• Prayer: Dear God, when we are pressured to do the wrong thing, or when we are not sure what is right, please give us the understanding and wisdom to do the right thing and the faith and courage to do it. Amen