As I Am

Then Agrippa said to Paul, You almost persuade me to become a Christian.  And Paul said, I would to God that not only you, but also all who hear me today, might become both almost and altogether such as I am, except for these chains. 

Acts 26:28-29 

Paul was content where he was in life. When Agrippa made his remark, which we find in our text, Paul responded with the second portion. What Paul was saying was that apart from his chains, he was in a better place than anyone else in the room. He had a personal relationship with Christ, a clear mission, and a future destination. He could rest, even in chains, knowing that everything lay in the able hands of his Sovereign God. His audience had no such assurance. They had no faith, no certainty, and no ability to face the future with anything more than a self-conjured optimism. Paul knew, that regardless of his earthly situation at any given moment, he was safe of the arms of Jesus. It was for these reasons he could desire that they be as he was, except for his chains. The prisoner in chains in Christ is in a better place than the king upon his throne. This is why we need not fear for our own future. We are as safe in Christ as Paul was. Christ holds us just as securely and has planned our future just as carefully. Nothing that happens to us today, or that will happen to us at any point in our future will fall outside of His providential plan for us. Therefore, we can face the day and all our tomorrows knowing Who holds our future. Knowing Christ means we can follow Him through every situation of life right up to the gates of glory.  

High King of heaven, 
we rejoice that You rule overall. 
We praise You that Your counsel shall stand, 
and You will do all Your pleasure. 

Tomm Tice
Where the Bush is Burning