Patient Persuasion

S

(Acts 26:28) And [King] Agrippa said to Paul, "In a short time would you persuade me to be a Christian?"

O

This comment is not necessarily a question but a declaration: "In a short time you would persuade me to be a Christian." And Paul's response makes his patient purpose more obvious. Whether it takes a short time (as seemed to be the case here) or whether it might take a long time, Paul wanted everyone--kings and peasants alike--to discover the love of Christ, and Paul was ready to live a life a patient, persistent compassion so that might happen.

A

Like Paul, who demonstrated love consistently throughout his relationships (Ephesians 20:18), I, too, aim to be a consistent persuasion in people's lives. At the beginning of any relationship, I can't predict how long it will last or what journeys we'll end up taking together. Nonetheless, "with all humility, tears, and trials" (Ephesians 20:19), however long the relationship might last, I want the Holy Spirit to be able to use my life as strong persuasion of hope in Christ.

P

Lord, by faith in Your Word, I believe that You want to use me to "open people's eyes...so they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by trusting in You" (Acts 25:18). You did this in me, so I know You can do this for others.