Acts 26:10;19-21 (NASB) And this is just what I did in Jerusalem; not only did I lock up many of the saints in prisons, having received authority from the chief priests, but also when they were being put to death I cast my vote against them.

19 “So, King Agrippa, I did not prove disobedient to the heavenly vision, but kept declaring both to those of Damascus first, and also at Jerusalem and then throughout all the region of Judea, and even to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, performing deeds appropriate to repentance. For this reason some Jews seized me in the temple and tried to put me to death.

Many people have said that when you become a parent you get “pay back” for all the things you did to your own parents. As my son was throwing a toddler tantrum today, and my daughter spit up all over me and the living room rug, it would be easy to think the same thing.  But taking care of my children is a calling and a blessing, not a punishment!

Paul persecuted the early Christian church before his conversion and he was later persecuted by the Jewish leaders himself. Was that payback? No, Paul’s journey from Jerusalem to Caesarea to Rome was part of God’s plan. His imprisonment ultimately led to God’s glory.

Let’s stop thinking about the challenges we face as punishment or payback, and start thinking about them as vehicles for God’s grace and opportunities to show God’s glory.

-Kevi

 

 To manage your subscription to the Daily Devotionals click here.