"...Except for these chains."

One of my favorite stories in the Bible about Paul is in Acts 26. He has been arrested, once again, by the Jews who HATED him for wanting to preach to the Gentiles. They despised Gentiles and were furious with Paul. They made up accusations to get him arrested and killed by the government.

Every time Paul was allowed to plead his case, he took them back in time to his previous life of killing Christians. He never denied his past, but he quickly reminded them of all Jesus had done for him and why he was so determined to spread the gospel. He used to kill Christians and now was one. What a turn of events! God is amazing like that.

In Acts 26 (NASB), Paul is pleading his case. Read what happens after he shares with them his testimony: 
²⁴ While Paul was saying this in his defense, Festus *said in a loud voice, “Paul, you are out of your mind! ^[p]Your great learning is ^[q]driving you mad.” ²⁵ But Paul *said, “I am not out of my mind, most excellent Festus, but I utter words ^[r]of sober truth. ²⁶ For the king ^[s]knows about these matters, and I speak to him also with confidence, since I am persuaded that none of these things escape his notice; for this has not been done in a ^[t]corner. ²⁷ King Agrippa, do you believe the Prophets? I know that you ^[u]do.” ²⁸ Agrippa replied to Paul, “^[v]In a short time you ^[w]will persuade me to ^[x]become a Christian.” ²⁹ And Paul said, “^[y]I would wish to God, that whether ^[z]in a short or long time, not only you, but also all who hear me this day, might become such as I am, except for these chains.”

I love what Agrippa replied, "In a short time, will you persuade me to become a Christian." That may be a question of sarcasm or it could indicate that he was amazed by Paul's faith and may actually consider it. I'm not 100% sure, but what Paul said is priceless. 

"I wish to God, that whether in a short time or long time, not only you, but also all who hear me this day, might become such as I am, except for these chains." What a powerful testimony and living example of a follower of Christ. 

I don't pretend to be like Paul, but in many ways, I want to tell others something very similar. Amy and I have been through hell in our marriage but have experienced healing, God's grace, provision, and hope like never before. I wish many couples would have such a testimony like we are living EXCEPT FOR THESE CHAINS - the chains of adultery. 

I never wish anyone to have the "chains" of adultery, but I do wish more couples experienced God in such a powerful way in their marriage. Amy and I never want to give up how we feel about each other at this point in our marriage. We just wish it could have come through a different path! :)

When God decides to do something big in your life, try not to be too surprised and HOLD ON TIGHT!!!! It's quite a rush!