Acts 24:22-27

Acts 24:22-27
English Standard Version (ESV)

  When life hands you lemons, right?  Here's Paul, wrongfully imprisoned by his enemies, and yet God is presenting him with opportunities to proclaim the Gospel in the midst of his situation.  Rather than pout or sulk, he recognizes this opportunity and does everything he can to proclaim the love and grace of God, even in the midst of a less than pleasant situation!
  It's hard to think like this -- how is every situation an opportunity to proclaim Christ?  We're so accustomed to life as usual that I think we miss a lot of chances to do so.  How will we pray for the Spirit to open our eyes and hearts today?  How can we share the love of God in all situations, good and bad?  It's hard to set aside our own mess and focus on the opportunity, but that's exactly what Paul does, and it's how we're called to live -- grateful for grace and caught up in the love of God, so full of peace and wonder that we invite others to come, to taste and see that the Lord is good.