Celebrate Even the Setbacks
- Baptist Daily Devotional
- 12 minutes ago
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Rev. Enoch Thompson | February 9 2026 | Acts 23:31-35
KEY VERSE: “When the cavalry arrived in Caesarea, they delivered the letter to the governor and handed Paul over to him… Then he ordered that Paul be kept under guard in Herod’s palace.” (Acts 23:33-35, NIV)
MESSAGE:
In the course of life, some moments feel restrictive, as though progress has been paused or freedom delayed. Today’s devotional highlights God’s providence in such moments, showing that trials and delays often serve as preparation for greater purposes. Paul’s journey to Caesarea was not comfortable. He travelled under guard, surrounded by soldiers, and under accusation. Yet this was not a setback but a divine positioning. In Caesarea, Paul would testify before Felix, then Festus, then Agrippa, and eventually be sent to Rome.
What appeared to be a limitation became preparation. God was arranging events so Paul’s witness would reach rulers and authorities, and ultimately the heart of the empire. This reminds us that delays and detours are often platforms for greater testimony.
When life feels stalled or opposition seems to confine us, we must remember that God may be positioning us. Our “Caesarea moments” are not wasted. They are staging grounds for the next chapter of God’s mission in our lives.
FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE:
Walk with faith, trusting that trials and delays are not the end but preparation for greater testimony. Pray for courage to see confinement or delay as preparation rather than defeat.
PRAYER:
Father, thank You for positioning me even in trials. Remind me that setbacks are not the end but platforms for greater testimony. Help me to trust Your timing and see Your hand at work when life feels delayed or restricted. Strengthen me to remain faithful, knowing You are preparing me for the next stage of my mission. For your dear Name’s sake, Amen. THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING.
SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!
The 365 DAILY BIBLE READING
DAILY word study: KEPT
Some moments feel like pauses in life, where movement slows, and progress seems delayed. Yet Scripture often shows that these pauses are purposeful, watched over by God.
The word kept comes from the Greek τηρέω (tēreō), meaning to guard, watch over, preserve with care. It implies active protection, not passive detention.
Paul was not merely confined in Herod’s palace. He was being carefully guarded under Roman authority, preserved for God’s unfolding purpose. What appeared to be custody was, in fact, custody under God’s supervision.
Reflect on This:
When God allows you to be “kept,” He may be protecting you for what comes next. Delays can be divine safeguards, not denials.
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