Genesis 39:1-23; Psalm 17:1-15; Matthew 22:15-46
And when he was come unto us, he took Paul’s [belt], and bound his own hands and feet, and said, Thus saith the Holy Ghost, So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man that owneth this [belt], and shall deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles. Acts 21:11
The Bible does not present a utopian worldview of waveless seas and trouble-free days. Agabus’ difficult—but necessary—ministry of delivering bad news realistically prepared Paul to suffer, so that he could stand in the coming trial. By God’s grace, crosses will eventually give way to crowns. —K. R. Keyser
In weakness and trial, with God we may plead;
No fear of denial, we’re sure to succeed:
For, though we oft grieve Him, His promise is clear,
And love will believe Him: our Father will hear. —R. de Courcy