“In Between Normals”: A 30 Day Devotion on the Book of ActsSample

The New Normal of the Heart

Finally, Paul was in Rome. But once again, his plan was delayed. "For two whole years, Paul stayed there in his own rented house..." (28:30)

A Change of Heart

But interestingly, there is no indication that Paul was in a hurry. Nor was he agitated. In a mysterious way, it feels like he was "already there." Look at the letters he wrote during this time.

In Philippians and Colossians, Paul burst into worship talking about the humility and supremacy of Christ! Here, you don't see a Type-A high achiever Paul. Instead, you see a worshipper. You see a man on his knees, worshipping his Saviour whom he loved so dearly.

When Paul turned his eyes to gaze upon the face of his Saviour, when his soul was totally captured by Jesus, there was a profound change in his heart. Look! After proudly listing his glaring achievements as a Pharisee, Paul suddenly turned around and labelled his trophies "rubbish." (Philippians 3)

Success and achievements no longer cut it. Paul said, "I want to know Christ." (Philippians 3:10) That's it? Really? Yes. The "new normal" for Paul has arrived!

The New Normal of the Heart

The four years in prison allowed God to dig deep into Paul's soul. Paul was now more secure and grounded. The external situation no longer determined his inner peace. Paul said, "I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation." (4:12) Can you see it? In "any and every situation"! My friend, your "new normal" has nothing to do with your external circumstances.

Look! Paul was not out of the woods yet. In fact, his plan to see Caesar was delayed for another two years! But look at how he was living his life! He "welcomed all who came to see him" and he "proclaimed the kingdom of God" with "boldness and without hindrance!" (28:31) For Paul, the "new normal" was never a condition of the circumstances, but a condition of the heart.

My friend, don't wait for a change of circumstances to bring you to the "new normal". It never will. And it can't. Instead, let your heart bring the "new normal" to your circumstances.

Reflection:

Do your circumstances define your understanding of God? Or, does your understanding of God define your circumstances? How did you experience God in the past?