Acts 24:10 “When the governor had nodded for him to speak, Paul responded, ‘Knowing that for many years you have been a judge to this nation, I cheerfully make my defense.'”
What do you do when facing a troubling situation? Often our natural reactions are to panic, to complain, or to strive to fix the problem. It is not common to enter into the trial with cheerfulness and confidence, but that is what the Apostle Paul did.
Having taken three missionary journeys across great portions of the world, Paul returned to Jerusalem. He entered the temple where he went through the typical rituals of purification to fulfill a vow. While waiting for the final sacrifice, some men from Asia began to stir up a crowd against him.
The tension increased quickly and soon Jerusalem was on the verge of a riot. The people grabbed Paul and dragged him out of the temple. While they were attempting to kill him, word of the uprising reached the Roman commander who rounded up a group of soldiers to squelch the rebellion. Paul was bound with two chains and, after having opportunity to talk to the crowds, was taken to the barracks to be protected and guarded carefully. This began a series of attempts on Paul’s life and numerous meetings during which Paul was asked to speak in his own defense.
At this point in the story, most of us would have either panicked, gotten angry, or desperately tried to figure a way out of the mess. But Paul had a different outlook.
I was astounded to read his opening statements to Governor Felix. When given the ok to speak, Paul said, “Knowing that for many years you have been judge to this nation, I cheerfully make my defense.”
Are you kidding? Paul cheerfully made his defense! This does not at all seem like a cheerful situation. But it happened again when Paul stood before King Agrippa. This time his words were, “In regard to all the things of which I am accused of by the Jews, I consider myself fortunate, King Agrippa, that I am about to make my defense before you today.”
How could this great missionary cheerfully considerate himself fortunate in the midst of an unfortunate series of events? I believe one reason was because of a promise the Lord had given him earlier.
On the night following the Jerusalem riot, the Lord stood at Paul’s side and said, “Take courage; for as you have solemnly witnessed to My cause at Jerusalem, so you must witness at Rome also.”
I believe this promise was one of the things that brought Paul through the many difficulties and delays that lay ahead. Paul saw each new trial as another opportunity to tell the gospel story as well as another step on his way to Rome. Through his imprisonment he saw God working His plan to accomplish His promise. Each defense before important and influential men eventually brought him to stand before Caesar. His perspective on his situation allowed him to be cheerful and to count himself fortunate. He recognized that his circumstances were turning out for the greater progress of the gospel message.
So how can we adopt a cheerful attitude when experiencing difficult times? Search the Scriptures for God’s promises. Write them on index cards, memorize them, and cling to them as you live day to day. When you begin to believe that God will do what He says He will do, then you, like Paul, will be able to respond cheerfully and consider yourself fortunate regardless of your circumstances.
Love,
Mama
