Reading: Acts 28
Are we there yet?
Almost!
In today's reading, we finally meet Paul 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 felt 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.
Do you know this song?
"Turn your eyes upon Jesus
Look full in His wonderful face
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim
In the light of His glory and grace"
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 listing his glaring achievements as a Pharisee, something that he was so proud of all through his life, Paul suddenly turned around and labelled his trophies "rubbish." (Phil 3)
Success and achievements no longer cut it. So, what was Paul up to now?
Paul said, "I want to know Christ." (Phil 3:10)
That's it? Really?
Yes. The "new normal" for Paul has arrived!
The New Normal of the Heart
The 4 years in jail allowed God to dig deep into Paul's soul. He's a lot more secure and grounded now. In fact, the external situation no longer determined his inner peace.
Paul said, "I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation." (Phil 4:12)
Can you see it? In "any and every situation"!
My friend, your "new normal" has nothing to do with your external environment.
Look at Paul! He was not out of the wood yet. In fact, his plan to see Caesar got delayed for another 2 years! But look at how he lived 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" is never a condition of the situation, but a condition of the heart.
My friend, don't wait for your circumstance to bring you the "new normal". It never will, and it can't. Let your heart brings your "new normal" to your circumstance. That's why Paul was able to say,
"I can do all this through him who gives me strength." (Phil 4:13)
May the glory of your Saviour capture your eyes. May your God define the "new normal" of your heart, as you worship Him with all your soul. This is how we get through the land of "in between normal."
Reflection:
Does your circumstance define your understanding of God? Or, does your understanding of God define your circumstance? How did you experience God in your past? What can you learn from your experience?
Pray for Today:
Dear God,
I confess that I often allow my situation to colour how I see you. It makes me worry and feel insecure whenever something goes wrong. But Father God, thanks for reminding me that I should let you capture the focus of my eyes! This is the only way to peace. Please continue to shape my heart, and define the "new normal" in my heart, so that I may live out a life of faith in spite of the circumstances.
In Jesus' name. Amen.