UP TO YOUR EARS IN ALLIGATORS
Acts 23:11
Have you ever felt like the fellow who was told to go drain the swamp - and found himself up to his ears in alligators! Sometimes it seems that if anything could go wrong, it already has.
In Acts 21 through 23 the apostle Paul finds himself up to his ears in alligators. The little traveling preacher goes from bad to worse, from the frying pan into the fire, until he just about has the life knocked out of him. From Paul's experience we can learn how to deal with difficult times.
Look for God's Involvement with Your Life: "The Lord stood near".
The Lord stood by Paul, not to save him from danger, but to save him in danger.
Jesus keeps His word not to desert His people.
Look for God's Inspiration in Your Life: "Take courage".
Even when you are up to your ears in alligators, God speaks peace to your spirit.
In moments of trouble, discouragement, of defeat, or of despair, you can find peace from Jesus.
Even though trouble comes take courage.
Look for God's Intent for Your Life: "As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome."
As Christians we do not have to be uncertain about the future.
God never puts those who are faithful on the shelf.
Our great troubles are often necessary preparation for greater duties up ahead.
Conclusions: Adopt E. Stanley Jones, motto for life: "When life kicks you, let it kick you forward!"