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

Your Best Legacy

The Divine Timing

Remember a few years ago Paul was "kept by the Holy Spirit" from going to the province of Asia? (16:6) He was so disappointed at that time! But with the benefit of hindsight, he now knew that God had a bigger and better plan to move him to Europe!

In today’s reading, Paul finally arrived at Ephesus. He even lived there for almost three years! As a result, "all" the people "in the province of Asia heard the word of the Lord." (19:10) This is something called "kairos," divine timing.

Behind the Curtain

Let me pull the curtain back to show you something behind the scenes. While Paul was busy working in Ephesus, a few friends from Corinth came to visit him. (1 Corinthians 1:11) They talked about the situation in Corinth and gave Paul a letter from the church. In response, Paul wrote 1 Corinthians.

After this, Paul’s relationship with the Corinthians kept going south. In fact, I should say, "traumatic." There were confrontations and tears. One thing led to another and when Paul left Ephesus and went to Macedonia (tomorrow's reading), he wrote 2 Corinthians.

"Second Choice" vs. "Best Legacy"

Now, you may know that there are 13 letters of Paul in the New Testament. However, did you know that writing letters was never Paul's first choice? Paul always wanted to do ministry and meet people in person. If he couldn't, he would send representatives like Timothy or Titus. Writing letters was at best his "second choice" or even "third choice."

But look! After two thousand years, what would you say was Paul's best legacy? His letters!

Leave Room for God

It is frustrating to get stuck in the land of "in between normals." It is disheartening when all that we have is our "second choice." But my friends, take heart. I advise you to pour out everything you have to make your "second choice" your masterpiece. In God's timing, the divine kairos, He may bring you to your "first choice," like Paul's desire to go to Asia, or, your "second choice" might end up being your "best legacy," like Paul's letters. Either way, don't complain. Do it! And do it with all your heart!

Reflection:

Do you feel that you are prevented from pursuing your dream? Your "first choice"? How can you make your "second choice" a masterpiece?