Good morning! Have you ever made a rush decision? I know there were several times when I was in a situation when a person would say “you have to act now” or “this will be your only opportunity”. I even had someone say, “this can’t wait for you to pray about it”. In those moments I learned that my best response to whatever they were trying to sell me or have me agree to do would be No. Join me today as we read in Acts 25 on another leaders decision.

Bible verse

“Three days after Festus arrived in Caesarea to take over his new responsibilities, he left for Jerusalem, ² where the leading priests and other Jewish leaders met with him and made their accusations against Paul. ³ They asked Festus as a favor to transfer Paul to Jerusalem (planning to ambush and kill him on the way). ⁴ But Festus replied that Paul was at Caesarea and he himself would be returning there soon. ⁵ So he said, “Those of you in authority can return with me. If Paul has done anything wrong, you can make your accusations.” Acts 25:1-5 NLT

Reflection

Paul remained in prison while the Jewish leaders were intent on ensuring his death. There were a number of changes in leadership, but as much as the leaders wanted to please the Jewish leaders it is apparent they knew the charges against Paul had no merit. Even with the simplest request from the Jewish leaders to attempt to end Paul’s life, the Lord remained with Paul and the governing leaders refrained from putting him in positions that would end his life.

Sisters and brothers, it is so easy to get focused on an urgent or pressing matter. We often forget that we do not need to act immediately, but after time consulting with the Lord we can trust the Lord’s guidance and plan for our lives, and then make a decision. While reading these verses we may be upset by the governing leaders indecisiveness toward Paul, we know they struggled against going with the political thing and siding with the Jewish leaders or opting to set Paul free.

We as believers and nonbelievers struggle with doing the right thing (the godly thing) or going along with the world or personal emotions. It is critical that we do not get entagled with things or decisions without consulting the Lord.

Questions:

• What decisions are you contemplating today?
• Are you pondering over doing what is right vs. what everyone else is doing?
• Are you willing to take a step back and listen for the Lord’s direction?

Sisters and brothers, take every burden and concern directly to the Lord and trust His ability to work everything out for you and in your favor.

Prayer

Father God thank you for this morning. Thank you for this new day to serve you. Lord, you know the struggles and strain of many believers. You know those who have jobs and those without. Lord, you know their worries and needs. Lord, cover them and give them peace. Give them favor as they seek employment, give them favor with leadership, and connect them to those who may assist them with growth and development. Lord, help those who are in financial need, those who are struggling with depression, and those who are uncertain of the next steps to take. Bring clarity to their minds. Lord, you have been gracious in all your ways, but Lord we are ask for your continued favor on our lives. Lord, straighten our paths and give us guidance on the next steps we should take. Help us to remain focused on you. Cover our nation and protect the innocent from harm. In Jesus name, amen!

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