Use the Trial

     When being persecuted, it can be difficult to find the good in it.  It can be even more difficult to be a light to others while you endure hardship.  It is meant to wear you down, so that you can become stronger.  I don't know many people that do not let their worse self come out when in constant hardship or pain that last for a long time, maybe years.  It takes time and surrendering all of yourself to Christ to get to that point of peace in the midst of suffering.  It is meant to reveal things to you about yourself.  That almost never happens in the good times.
     Paul was in Caesarea waiting on his trail for no crime.  Ananias, was the high priest.  He came to represent the accusers along with a few elders and a lawyer.  Their accusation that they came up with was that he was the leader of a sect called Nazarene.  They were a group intent on desecrating God's house.
     Paul stayed calm, never losing his temper while it seemed like everyone was lying and attacking him.  He just stated why he was in Jerusalem.  He did not let it slip that he was a follower of the "the Way".  He pointed out how he agreed with God's laws and lived a life of a clear conscience.
     Governor Felix listened to all this with awareness of "the Way".  He dismissed them to make his decision.  Paul stayed while he was deciding with some freedom.  He was allowed to have friends come visit him and take care of his needs.  Felix and his wife, Druscilla, would visit Paul.  Paul's words scared Felix, but he still visited over the two years of waiting.  That is when Felix retired and Festus became the new Governor.

Acts 24