9A Worship

I often wonder where the idea comes from, within Christian circles, that those who love Jesus will be exempt from serious illness, grief, difficulties, and heartaches. It is a pernicious fallacy … but one that I’m tempted to want to believe. If I can control my life, including my relationship with God, pray regularly, read the Bible, go to church, donate my time and money to help those in need, my life will be easier, more prosperous, trouble-free. And then I read the Bible.

In the final chapters of the book of Acts we find a great injustice. Paul had been unjustly imprisoned for years, to gain political favor. Given the opportunity to make his case, instead he spoke about Jesus.

This passage challenges me to keep my heart, my mind, my loves, focused in the right direction. Paul’s life and intelligence encourage me, calm me, and remind me who is, always is, in control.