Read: Acts 26:12-29; 1 Peter 3:15-16
This week, astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, along with two others safely splashed down off the coast of Tallahassee, Florida. Their time in space which was to have been only eight days turned out to be more than nine months. They were greeted by a welcome home message on behalf of SpaceX and a picture perfect pristine beautiful blue sky. As good as it is that they are finally back with their loved ones, it was a question that was asked at a news conference the astronauts held before they made their return trip to earth that has captured my attention this week. Butch Wilmore was asked what he had learned during this much longer than expected extra time in space.
His answer was straight forward and free flowing. It was what he believed about God, His power and His plan that had helped him deal with these circumstances. He said that knowing that God was at work for the Good in all things in the lives of His people, gave him the ability to be content. He mentioned Hebrews 11 where people are commended for their faith. Some of their outcomes seem good, and some seem unpleasant, but the same God was accomplishing His sovereign plan through them all, Hebrews 11:33-38.
Talk about a good question and a good answer. Hearing Wilmore's response reminded me of 1 Peter 3:15-16. He was ready to speak about his Hope. Jesus, and his response has gone viral. All because a good question was followed by a gracious and bold answer. We don't know the outcome of the astronaut's words. We don't know whose life might have been changed because of the truths Butch Wilmore spoke; however, we do know that his words of truth honored God. Which is the most important thing.
In Acts 26:12-29, we hear Paul's defense before the governor Festus and King Agrippa. Paul had been accused by his Jewish brethren, and this short section of scripture tells of the apostle's conversion. What a story. He went from a man who brutalized Christians to a man whose heart changed completely. His zeal was still the same, but his focus had totally changed. All because the apostle came to love the One He had formerly blasphemed.
Now for the good question and the good answer in this amazing story. In Acts 26:28, the king asked Paul if in such a short time he could be persuaded to become a Christian. We don't know Agrippa's thinking as he spoke these words to Paul. Was he stonewalling? Did he have real questions besides this one? There is no way of knowing, but his question opened the door for Paul's answer. A good one. I think. Paul said the amount of time it took for a response whether long or short wouldn't change his heart. Paul simply desired that everyone who heard him would eventually say yes to Jesus and turn from darkness to light through repentance, Acts 26:18. Yet, there was one thing Paul didn't desire for any of his hearers. He didn't long for any of them to be imprisoned. He didn't wish the hard things he had suffered to be a part of his listeners' lives. A good answer.
As is often the case, we don't know if anyone who heard Paul's testimony that day eventually was saved; however, we do know that Paul's telling his story and Paul's heart toward his listeners honored God. The entirety of the scriptures displays God's heart. His desire that people will turn to Him, turn away from their sin and be saved, Ezekiel 33:11.
Lord, help us to be ready for any good question that comes our way. Help us to honor You with a good and gracious answer when You open the door.
Comments