Help from God to this Day

Paul stood before Porcius Festus and Herod Agrippa II, two high-ranking officials in Judea. Paul, who had been imprisoned in Caesarea for two years, was awaiting his journey to Rome, where he was to appear before Caesar because of the Jewish accusations against him. Agrippa had recently arrived and had expressed an interest in Paul's situation, so an audience had been arranged. What could Paul say to summarize his experience? First, he recalled his early life among the Pharisees, then his encounter with the risen Lord. He explained that he had not "disobeyed the heavenly vision" (v. 19) but had faithfully proclaimed God's message: "Repent, turn back to God, and do worksAnother word for deeds or actions. God's works are perfect (Gen 1:31), men's can be good works (Matt 5:16) or dead (Heb 6:1). On the basis of his works, unbelieving... More befitting repentanceWhile remorse (Greek metamellomai) means to regret a previous act or behavior and to have a different way of thinking about it, Repentance (Greek metanoia) goes further than that: It... More" (v. 20). Then we come to our verse: "I have received help from God and stand to this day." What a beautiful summary of his work and ministry! Paul was converted in his mid-30s, and this conversation probably took place in the year 59. More than two decades of traveling and testing, teaching, and preaching the message of Christ are contained in this expression, "I have received help from God." He could have told dramatic stories of near-death experiences or moving details of lives changed by the gospel, but it was enough to simply declare, "I have received help from God."

How would we summarize our own experiences with the Lord? Are we, like Paul, aware of God's help all along the way? Most of our days are filled with the mundane and ordinary, and His quiet presence brings us peace and joy. Other days are filled with violent upheavals and deep sorrow. Yet, He is a very present help in trouble (Ps 46:1). Whether we are learning or serving, working, or waiting, pleading, or praising, here is a declaration of trust on which our faith can rest today: "I have received help (or: succor) from God."