I spent last week chained (literally) to Carl Bolz. Carl played a member of thePraetorian guard named Brutus Flavius in our ongoing VBS skit. I, in turn, played the apostle Paul during his house arrest in Rome.

I also spent last week studying the topic of prayer, and I couldn’t help but wonder how often Paul must have prayed for his release during his two-year internment.Why didn’t God hear Paul’s prayers? Or at least why did it take so long?​ Paul was eventually released from house arrest – only to be incarcerated once again a few years later. Paul’s last (and much crueler) captivity led to his death. 

As I noted in Sunday’s sermon (7/26) “Prayer is offering up our desires to God for things agreeable to God’s will.” There’s the rub. Sometimes it’s God’s will to say no to our requests – or not right now. But what I find so remarkable about Paul’s faith is his willingness to embrace God’s will – despite the cost – as long as the gospel was advanced and God glorified. ​

“Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters,[b] that what has happened to me has served to advance the gospel. 13 As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard[c] and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. 14And because of my chains, most of the brothers and sisters have become confident in the Lord and dare all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear.”​

Certainly, Paul craved freedom. And, of course, Paul wanted to live! But above all else, Paul could pray – “May Christ be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. 21 For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.”​

I can play Paul in a skit. I am not sure I can emulate his faith and courage in real life. I barely wish to be inconvenienced for the sake of the gospel. In truth, I found it slightly burdensome to be chained to Carl (lovely man that he is) for fifteen minutes each night.​

I’m not seeking to guilt anyone (least of all myself). I am simply challenged by a mindset that will require my own prayers – the heartbeat of my relationship with God – to better appreciate and understand. ​