What do you do when everything is falling apart? When trouble hits your life and nothing seems to go right? In Acts 21:17–40, we see the Apostle Paul face extreme adversity—false accusations, violent beatings, and the threat of death—yet he stayed focused on his mission. Through his example, we can learn powerful truths about how to respond when things go wrong.
1. Stay Focused on the Big Picture
When chaos hits, it’s easy to lose sight of what matters most. We get distracted by preferences, personalities, or even politics, forgetting that we are called to stay united in Christ. Paul reminds us of the importance of unity, even amid disagreement.
Paul was willing to take a Nazarite vow—not because he had to, but because he wanted to connect with the Jewish believers and show that he respected their customs. Why? Because he knew the gospel was bigger than any one tradition. “To the Jews, I became as a Jew, in order to win Jews,” Paul wrote (1 Corinthians 9:20). His priority was not being right, but reaching people.
Christians don’t always agree. That’s not a surprise. But God calls us to focus on what unites us: the gospel of Jesus Christ. Don’t draw lines where the Bible doesn’t. We must be careful not to let our opinions cause division. Instead, ask yourself: “Is this helping build up the church? Am I focused on the mission?”
2. Use Godly Principles When Making Decisions
When you’re unsure what to do, especially during times of conflict, ask these four questions to help guide you toward a wise and biblical decision:
- Will I become spiritually prideful if I do or don’t do this? Don’t let your convictions cause you to look down on others. The ground is level at the foot of the cross.
- Am I setting the right example for others? Sometimes it’s not about what’s right or wrong, but about how our actions affect the people watching us—our children, new believers, or even unbelievers.
- Will I cause someone else to stumble? Paul was willing to give up meat if it caused another believer to stumble. That’s maturity—choosing to be a stepping stone, not a stumbling block.
- Am I building others up in their faith? Even if something is lawful, is it helpful? Does it encourage others? Your choices should help strengthen those around you.
When you can’t find a clear answer in Scripture, use these principles. Draw the line where the Bible draws the line—but don’t draw where it doesn’t. Choose unity over division, grace over judgment, and love over pride.
3. Trust God in the Uncertainty
When Paul arrived in Jerusalem, he was received gladly by the believers, but it didn’t take long before rumors spread. False accusations led to a violent mob, and Paul found himself beaten and nearly killed.
None of it was true. Yet Paul didn’t lash out or give up. He didn’t turn bitter or abandon his calling. He trusted God.
When you face injustice, pain, or rejection—trust God. Don’t get angry with the world. Remember, everyone is your mission field. Keep your eyes on Christ, even when you don’t understand what’s happening. God has a plan.
Jesus warned us in Matthew 24:9 that we would be hated for His name’s sake. Persecution, misunderstanding, and suffering are part of following Christ. But even when the world turns against us, we are never alone. Christ is with us. He walks with us through every trial.
4. Use Every Opportunity to Proclaim Christ
What’s remarkable is how Paul responded after his beating. He didn’t retreat or wallow in self-pity. He asked the commander if he could speak to the very people who attacked him. Why? Because he saw an opportunity to preach Jesus.
Paul’s heart wasn’t focused on revenge but on redemption. Even in pain, he wanted to share the gospel.
When trouble hits, will you use it as a platform to proclaim Christ? Whether it’s a health crisis, job loss, or personal betrayal—God can use it to reach someone through you. Your adversity might be the open door for someone else’s salvation.
Like a football that doesn’t break under pressure, Paul endured because of what was inside him: the Spirit of God. As 1 John 4:4 reminds us, “Greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world.”
Final Thoughts
Trouble will come—it’s not a matter of if, but when. When it does, stay focused on the gospel, make decisions with grace and humility, trust God in the chaos, and seize every opportunity to share Jesus.
Let us not be discouraged. Let us not quit. Instead, let’s press on with courage, like Paul, knowing that in every trial, Christ is with us.
We’d love for you to join us at The Open Door Church, where you’ll find biblical teaching, a welcoming community, and encouragement for your journey of faith. No matter what you’re going through, you’re not alone—come grow with us.