Wednesday 24 August, 2016

Nothing Wasted

Paul used everything he had in his life to promote Jesus and God’s Kingdom.  His background, his skills, his education, even his city of birth.  In the passage above Paul speaks to the Roman Commander in Greek – much to his surprise.  He then speaks to the crowd in Aramaic – they are immediately silenced in hearing their own language. At the end of the passage Paul declares his Roman citizenship; preventing further beatings and gaining favour with his captors.

Sometimes we are tempted to think that the things we are doing or learning right now are of no use.  That they have no value to God.  Maybe Paul felt that way about his Greek classes at school or his Roman Citizenship.  Maybe he thought “I’m a Jew – when am I ever going to need this?”

But God wastes nothing.  There is a reason why I am in this time of learning or going through this particular difficulty.  Even heartache and tragedy are not wasted.  God wastes nothing. He can redeem and use everything we go through to help others and point people to Jesus.  We simply need to be patient and keep our eyes open.

Jesus, thank you for this trial I’m facing right now.  I know someday You’ll redeem it – I’m looking forward to seeing how.  May what I’m going through be used for Your glory.

Written by Boudy VanNoppen