Prayerfully Re-Center Around God
Acts 26:29
Short time or long—I pray to God that not only you but all who are listening to me today may become what I am, except for these chains.
~ Apostle Paul, spoken to King Agrippa
Pondering Point
What does Paul mean when he prays for others to “become what I am?” He means to become a believer in Jesus as Lord: To believe Jesus is the Jewish Messiah, that He died for sins and rose from the dead to save not just Jews but all people of the world – including this Gentile King Agrippa.
Part of becoming what Paul was included letting one’s beliefs inform one’s actions and building one’s life around Jesus. In light of Paul’s appeal, let’s prayerfully re-center around God:
Review the Week
What are you hoping or striving to become? How does this connect to God’s purposes and place in your life?
Repent (if necessary)
Is there a need to repent of striving for wrong things? If so this would put you in company with the Apostle Paul’s early life (see 1 Timothy 1:12-14). Don’t ignore or discount unhealthy motivations. Take a deep dive and repent where appropriate.
1 Timothy 1:12-14
The Lord’s Grace to Paul
12 I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me trustworthy, appointing me to his service. 13 Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief. 14 The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.
Return (as necessary)
Staying with parallels to the Apostle Paul, let God correct your vision like He did with Paul (Acts 9:17-18). Submit to the Holy Spirit and ask God to help you become what Paul was – except maybe for the chains.
Acts 9:17-18
17 Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord—Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here—has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” 18 Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized,
Prayer
Lord God, I want to be like the Apostle Paul, living under Your grace and fearing no one, living out of Your grace and serving everyone. I want to live by Your Spirit – in holiness and celebrating my life in Jesus my Lord. In His name I pray. Amen.