Acts 23:32-35

Acts 23:32-35
English Standard Version (ESV) 

  Do you notice how everyone is silent in an elevator?  The liveliest conversation can be stopped in its tracks by the closing of elevator doors, as though anything but silence might break the spell and send the elevator crashing down the chute.  I've never quite understood why we universally accept silence on elevator.  Our minds aren't silent -- we're thinking about where we're going and what we'll do when we arrive, what we'll say and what kind of impression we'll make.
  Think of Paul -- there is so much going on around him, constant action swirling around his presence as others prepare for him to be on trial.  Doubtless, he has thought about what he's going to say, how he'll tell his story, what kind of witness he'll be for the Gospel.
  What would you say?  What story would you tell?  What about your life is distinctive due to the claims of the Gospel on you?
  I know that the Holy Spirit will give us the words to say when we need them, and we are to be completely dependent on God for guidance, but we can still reflect on how we will tell the story, on how we will share the love of Christ with those around us.  Sometimes, we'll have hours and days to prepare for such conversations.  Other times, perhaps not.  So let us be wise and be ready, always ready to praise our God and speak of his wondrous deeds.