October 27 - Circumstantial Evidence

 Read today’s texts first: Job 18; Psalms 114; Acts 27,28

MAXIMize YOUR DAY

We should never convict ourselves or others
based on  “circumstantial” evidence! 

We do it all the time. We make judgments of our own life and the lives of others based on circumstances. If we go through difficult times, we think God has abandoned us or is punishing us for some unconfessed sin. In Job’s case, he felt abandoned, but his “friends” thought God was punishing him because of his own wickedness (18:5-21).

Notice the contrast in the way Paul looks at his circumstances. Paul’s life was a roller coaster of ups and downs, but he learned that his circumstances have little to do with his relationship with God or his attitude (Philippians 4:11-13). That’s why he wasn’t concerned about going to Jerusalem, getting arrested, being held in custody in Caesarea, appealing to Rome, experiencing a shipwreck en route, or being bitten by a poisonous snake.

Those who saw the snake hanging from his hand thought he must be a murderer and God was judging him. When he didn’t die, well then, he must be a god (28:4-6). There we go again - judgment based on circumstantial evidence! Paul knew God had called him and was with him, no matter what his circumstances. In fact, he thanked God for every phase of his life, appreciating how God could use him in those moments to point more people to Jesus (28:30,31).

“Lord, thank You for the unusual change of circumstances in my own life. I embrace what You have given me to do today and look forward to each new day filled with new opportunities to serve You!”