What strategies can we use to remain composed when our faith is challenged? Setting the Scene Acts 26 shows Paul on trial before Festus and Agrippa, his life literally on the line. When Festus shouts that Paul is out of his mind, Paul responds: “ ‘I am not out of my mind, most excellent Festus,’ Paul replied. ‘What I am saying is true and rational.’ ” (Acts 26:25) From one verse and its context, the Spirit gives timeless strategies for staying composed when our faith is challenged. Strategy 1: Anchor Yourself in Truth • Paul’s first instinct is to affirm reality: “What I am saying is true.” • Truth is not abstract; it is embodied in Christ (John 14:6). • Immerse your mind in Scripture daily so you recognize error immediately (Psalm 119:11). Strategy 2: Keep Reason and Clarity at the Forefront • Paul adds, “and rational.” He refuses to surrender the intellectual high ground. • 1 Peter 3:15 calls us to give a “defense…with gentleness and respect.” That defense is rational, not merely emotional. • Practice articulating your convictions clearly; rehearse key doctrines and verses so they’re ready on your lips. Strategy 3: Speak with Respect and Gentleness • “Most excellent Festus”—Paul uses the proper honorific even while being misjudged. • Proverbs 15:1: “A gentle answer turns away wrath.” • Tone can disarm hostility more effectively than volume or sarcasm. Strategy 4: Testify to Personal Experience • After verse 25, Paul shares his Damascus-road story again (26:12-18). Personal testimony is hard to refute. • Revelation 12:11 reminds us believers overcome “by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony.” • Keep fresh stories of God’s faithfulness on hand; they carry unique persuasive power. Strategy 5: Lean on the Spirit, Not the Flesh • Jesus promised, “The Holy Spirit will teach you at that very hour what you should say” (Luke 12:12). • 2 Timothy 1:7: “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control.” • Pause and breathe—invite the Spirit to guide your words before you speak. Strategy 6: Put On Spiritual Armor Daily • Ephesians 6:10-17 lists truth, righteousness, readiness, faith, salvation, and the Word as armor. • Armor is donned in advance, not once the arrows start flying. • Regular prayer, confession, and worship keep the armor polished and secure. Strategy 7: Guard Your Peace • Philippians 4:6-7 promises “the peace of God…will guard your hearts and your minds.” • Peace is a witness; composure under fire often speaks louder than arguments. • Replace anxious thoughts with thanksgiving, as Paul did even while chained (Acts 26:29). Wrapping It Up Paul’s calm reply in Acts 26:25 models a believer who trusts Scripture, walks in the Spirit, and respects even hostile authorities. Rooted in truth, reasoning clearly, speaking gently, sharing testimony, armored in God, and guarded by peace—these are time-tested strategies for remaining composed whenever our faith is challenged. |
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