Even in the Hard Times Why are you weeping and breaking my heart? I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus (Acts 21:13). Scripture: Acts 21:1-14 Song: "Lord, Make Me an Instrument of Your Peace" When facing adversity or facing death, do we turn tail and run, or do we march straight ahead, fully knowing where our choices will take us? I think about Randy Pausch, the professor from Carnegie-Mellon University. He wrote The Last Lecture while suffering pancreatic cancer. Facing a terminal illness can make a person go to bed and never get up again. Not so with Mr. Pausch. He decided he'd make his experience with a fatal disease something people could actually learn from. Here in Acts 21, Paul must choose. If he goes to Jerusalem he will die. His attitude? He welcomed whatever would come, for his life was solidly in God's hands. Just as Randy Pausch welcomed the opportunity to teach others, even under painful circumstances, so too did Paul. He wanted every experience of his life to show forth the goodness and greatness of his Lord Jesus. How do I face adversity? I want to have the same attitude as Paul. I want to welcome any and every opportunity for Christ's life to show through in my life-in good times and hard times. Father, may I be an instrument of Your love. Use me to make a difference to someone listening to the concert of my life. In Jesus' name, amen. This devotion is from the book, 365 Devotions, brought to you by Standard Publishing. Buy 365 Devotions and other great resources at www.standardpub.com.
