Jay Grant’s sermon on Acts 25:1-12
When We Wonder What Is Going On?
1. Sometimes life makes no sense whatsoever. For no apparent reason great difficulties suddenly hit us. We suffer a terrible loss; illness blindsides us; we’re overwhelmed with something. Why is Paul languishing in jail for over two years? What the heck is going on? Isaiah 55:8,9
2. We’re hurting, confused and discouraged and our tendency is to retreat, run to some temporary comfort, self-medicate, get angry at God, curse life. Paul could have done that. There is only one solution – persevere, endure, keep going, trust God, and believe God is at work, that you will get through it. Psalm 84 1 Peter 1:7
3. Delays are maddening. Delays are frustrating. Delays tax our faith. Delays make us crazy. You better believe Paul had some trying days. But a favorite truth of mine is this: “The greater the delay, the greater the answer when it arrives. Joseph, Hannah, Zacharias (Mandela, Wurmbrand) Genesis ch’s 39-41; 1 Samuel ch 1; Luke ch 1
4. You make a big mistake to believe man can control your life. Never. No matter how severe a problem, or difficult another person is, it is God overseeing everything. The religious leaders, Felix, Festus, Agrippa are not controlling Paul. God always has His way. Proverbs 16:9, 19:21
5. Complete surrender, devoting yourself fully to God, brings freedom. How do you experience the greatest peace and contentment in your trials? How did Paul? By fully surrendering to God, believing everything that happens in your life either comes directly from God or God has permitted it for His purposes in your life. Romans 12:1,2