Just Do It

Acts
10And when the governor had nodded to him to speak, Paul replied:"Knowing that for many years you have been a judge over this nation, I cheerfully make my defense. 11You can verify that it is not more than twelve days since I went up to worship in Jerusalem, 12and they did not find me disputing with anyone or stirring up a crowd, either in the temple or in the synagogues or in the city. 13 Neither can they prove to you what they now bring up against me. 14But this I confess to you, that according to the Way, which they call a sect, I worship the God of our fathers, believing everything laid down by the Law and written in the Prophets, 15 having a hope in God, which these men themselves accept, that there will be a resurrection of both the just and the unjust. 16So I always take pains to have a clear conscience toward both God and man. 17Now after several years I came to bring alms to my nation and to present offerings. 18While I was doing this, they found me purified in the temple, without any crowd or tumult. But some Jews from Asia— 19 they ought to be here before you and to make an accusation, should they have anything against me. 20Or else let these men themselves say what wrongdoing they found when I stood before the council, 21other than this one thing that I cried out while standing among them: 'It is with respect to the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial before you this day.'"Paul Kept in Custody22But Felix, having a rather accurate knowledge of the Way, put them off, saying, "When Lysias the tribune comes down, I will decide your case." 23Then he gave orders to the centurion that he should be kept in custody but have some liberty, and that none of his friends should be prevented from attending to his needs.24After some days Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish, and he sent for Paul and heard him speak about faith in Christ Jesus. 25And as he reasoned about righteousness and self-control and the coming judgment, Felix was alarmed and said, "Go away for the present. When I get an opportunity I will summon you." 26At the same time he hoped that money would be given him by Paul. So he sent for him often and conversed with him. 27When two years had elapsed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus. And desiring to do the Jews a favor, Felix left Paul in prison.

Paul shared the way with Felix - Felix understood it. Felix and his wife should have understood what Paul was saying - she was Jewish, he had an accurate understanding - but they were afraid. Despite that fear they repeatedly called on Paul to speak to them - for two years - and in hope of a bribe. Paul patiently explained the way to them - but Felix who understood, did nothing, and was eventually succeeded by another man. Felix had one last chance to do the right thing, and instead he left Paul in prison in order to please men, whose opinion was no longer even relevant.

I understand what I am supposed to be doing - sometimes I let other things distract me, and it seems like time is flying by, I know that a war is waged a battle at a time - and that over time it is won or lost. Fear is one of the main things that keeps me stagnant - what if I fail - what if I can't - what if God won't - and then I prove myself right. By being afraid I fail, I can't and He doesn't.
The good news here is God is patient - Felix had two years - I hope I have a lot longer than that, because I feel like I have blown it so many times. Felix had one of the same problems I do - he was always thinking - so he missed the real blessings God had for him - at some point he had to realize that Paul would not bribe him. Eventually Felix lost his place, both as Governor, and in God's plan, and in Heaven, because he didn't listen and just believe. He was given one last chance - and he squandered it away for the praise of men; men who will one day join him in hell.

This says to me - GO, DO, BE! because the days are numbered -you have a window - JUMP! or you will miss it. Don't let something stupid stand between your ears and your heart. I think Paul is an example of Christ here - he is patient and loving right until the end - Paul gave so many chances - he was always waiting.