Favor Abounds, Even in Darkness!!!

Many times in life people give up on their circumstances, including forsaking their own lives. But if you know Jesus you are aware that His favor abounds even as hope seems to fade away.

I continue in the book of Acts and as seen in the lives of the prophets; I must reiterate the importance of faith. Being thankful even in small matters. Knowing that Jesus will never leave you or forsake you.

Paul is being held prisoner and the Jews continue to lie in wait. Pleading for his release under the guise of a fair trial. As the Jews intend to kill him if he is released into their custody.

A Blatant Disregard for Human Life

Now I want you to understand the egregiousness of all involved. Because on the other hand, the officials were playing “politics”. And instead of exchanging goods and services, they were bartering Paul’s very life.

While Paul was just trying to live to see another day. To fulfill the calling on his life.

What I have observed is not only Paul’s intelligence, but his willingness to fight and defend himself against baseless accusations.

Knowing that this divine guidance is not of himself. But of God!!!

Christ Will Never Leave or Forsake Us

Spiritual wisdom is in knowing that we are never alone. Even when every man, woman, or circumstance seems to be against us.

The ability to empathize with Paul’s situation is telling. I for one, am in this continual state also.

But remember the power in Elisha’s prayer. “Elisha answered, ‘Do not be afraid, for those with us are more than those with them.’ Then Elisha prayed and said, ‘LORD, please, open his eyes that he may see.’ And the LORD opened the servant’s eyes and he saw; and behold the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire surrounding Elisha” (2 Kings 6: 16-17, AMP).

Paul was discerning the inability to trust most of those around him. And for good reason. Pay attention.

Discern The Untrustworthy

1) “And [there in Jerusalem] the chief priests and the leading men of the Jews brought charges against Paul [before Festus], and they repeatedly pleaded with him, asking as a concession against Paul that he would have him brought to Jerusalem; (meanwhile planning an ambush to kill him on the way)” (Acts 25: 2-3, AMP).

2) “But Festus, willing to do the Jews a pleasure, answered Paul, and said, Wilt thou go up to Jerusalem, and there be judged of these things before me?” (Acts 25: 9, KJV). Festus was “politicking”.

During Paul’s situation there was a gross amount of flattery. Take heed.

Beware of Those Who Flatter with Their Lips

“For such people do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites and base desires. By smooth and flattering speech they deceive the hearts of the unsuspecting [the innocent and naive]” (Romans 16: 18, KJV). Beware! Recognize the fruit.

Taking the matter out of their hands, Paul appealed to Caesar. I want you to pay attention to the levels of deceit.

He was allowed to defend himself before king Agrippa, his sister Bernice, and a larger audience. They wanted to know why the Jews were spewing hatred towards him.

Discern Gas Lighters

Listen to how Festus attempted to gaslight Paul as he proclaimed the resurrection of Jesus. “While Paul was making this defense, Festus said loudly, ‘Paul, you are out of your mind! Your great education is turning you toward madness'” (Acts 26: 24, AMP).

Watch, as taught by Jesus, Paul calls out king Agrippa. “But he said, I am not mad, most noble Festus; but speak forth the words of truth and soberness.

“For the king knoweth of these things, before whom I also speak freely: for I am persuaded that none of these things are hidden from him; for this thing was not done in a corner.

(In other words, Paul was saying, stop acting like you don’t know the foretelling, fame, and the miracles of Jesus. You know!)

“King Agrippa, believest thou the prophets? I know that thou believest” (Acts 26: 25-27, KJV).

The Devil is Maniacal

Watch how the enemy works. As they continue to gaslight him. “Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.

“And when they were gone aside, they talked between themselves, saying, This man doeth nothing worthy of death or bonds. Then said Agrippa unto Festus, This man might have been set at liberty, if he had not appealed unto Caesar” (Acts 26: 31-32, KJV).

You see, as the devil asserted this, he intended to make Paul doubt himself. Thus, doubting the guidance of the Spirit.

They knew that Paul was innocent but didn’t care. They could have stopped this whole process. But they were looking to gain something. While attempting to hide their true intentions.

Satan is more sinister. Destroying Paul would be easier if he could get him to doubt.

Compromise is Deadly

If Paul would have allowed himself to be manipulated, looking for an easier way, compromising with his enemies, it would eventually cost him his life.

Even with the favor of God over his life, Paul remained in bondage. “The next day we landed at Sidon; and Julius, treating Paul with [thoughtful] consideration, allowed him to go to his friends there and be cared for and refreshed” (Acts 27: 3, AMP).

Now let me bring this full circle. If Paul had doubted God’s voice, others would have lost their lives also.

Paul was transferred to another ship. They sailed for days, and the ship was struggling.

“Now much time had been lost, and navigation was dangerous, because even [the time for] the fast (Day of Atonement) was already over, So Paul began to strongly warn them, saying, ‘Men, I sense [after careful thought and observation] that this voyage will certainly be a disaster and with great loss, not only of the cargo and ship, but also our lives” (Acts 27: 9-10, AMP).

The Love of Money is The Root of All Evil

Now instead of listening to Paul, Julius listened to the pilot and the ship’s owner. Who were most likely motivated by greed.

For a moment they thought that they would be safe. The wind had died down. So, they kept going. Disregarding Paul’s warning.

God confirmed Paul’s words. A windstorm, like a typhoon came rushing down on the island as they tried to stay close to shore.

They fought for days. Trying to avoid quicksand and strake sail. Being tossed violently as the boat started taking on water. Throwing cargo overboard.

The storm continued to rage. They Knew they were going to die.

Trust God and Lean Not to Your Own Understanding

Remember to continue trusting God and His favor over your life. Because when it is of Him, no one can rob you of the victory. Seek the guidance of the Holy Ghost!

“After they had gone a long time without food [because of seasickness and stress], Paul stood up before them and said, ‘Men, you should have followed my advice and should not have set sail from Crete, and brought on this damage and loss. (Admonishing that they chose this path!)

“But even now I urge you to keep up your courage and be in good spirits, (be thankful for God is merciful.) because there will be no loss of life among you, but only loss of the ship. (A lesser penalty for their disobedience. Because there is always a consequence!)

There is No Walking in Darkness for God’s Anointed

“For this very night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve stood before me and said, ‘Stop being afraid, Paul. You must stand before Caesar; and behold, God has given you [the lives of] all those who are sailing with you.’

“So keep up your courage, men, for I believe God and have complete confidence in Him that it will turn out exactly as I have been told;” (Acts 27: 21-25, AMP).

The Revelation

You see, Paul was afraid at one point. But he trusted God more. Because through faith we are more than conquerors. And there is always a bigger picture with God.

If you continue to read till the end of chapter 27. Note that sometimes many are saved or covered because of affiliation. Through the intimate anointing in the Holy Spirit of someone in their midst.

Always coming from a place of love and in truth!!!

Originally written on October 16, 2023.