June 14, 2012 - Acts 25:8

             “Then Paul made his defense: ‘I have done nothing wrong against the law of the Jews or against the temple or against Caesar.’”  Acts 25:8.

            The Jewish leadership appeared before Festus, the governor of the region, to accuse Paul of causing disturbances and riots within their worshiping community.  Wherever they appeared, the Jewish leaders always expressed themselves with passionate, emotional arguments.  Paul, given the opportunity to stand in his own defense, spoke clearly and decisively.  He was not just going to take it in silence.  He was clearly not a doormat, no matter what the odds were against him.  He stood before his adversaries and rulers and defended his actions with conviction.  Even though he was alone in his defense, he never knew loneliness, for his friends, the community of followers of Jesus, were always supporting him through prayer.  Paul always knew the Holy Spirit’s presence within, and this gave him courage and conviction.

            As I reflect on Paul’s passion, conviction, and courage in standing up in his own defense, I am convicted of my own lack in those areas.  If I was in a similar situation, I am not convinced that I would respond as Paul did.  There have been times when I have felt as if I were a doormat, allowing others to walk all over me and to project their beliefs onto me.  I didn’t stand up firmly for what I believed.  Perhaps I didn’t have a deep enough conviction in my beliefs, or perhaps I was afraid of being rejected.  It is my desire to have the internal convictions and passion to stand firm and not be tossed about like a rudderless ship.

            Questions to consider: Have you ever stood up for your faith in Jesus when the odds seemed stacked against you?  Other than in a church setting, when have you expressed your belief in Jesus?  Were you nervous?  Bold?  Fearful?  Do you know how to proclaim your belief in Jesus to people who may not know him?

Prayer: Father, I desire to be ready to talk about You in whatever situation I encounter.  Help me to always listen for help from Your Spirit in what I say and how I act.  Amen.