Almost Isn’t Close Enough

We read in the Twenty-sixth chapter of book of Acts part of the story of Paul’s imprisonment. He had been falsely accused of among other things, trying to start an insurrection and rebellion. It was during this time that he would be brought out a time or two to tell his story, to plead his case. Most of all though, it would be his time to tell someone about Jesus.

As Paul was passed through the ranks on his way to see the current Ceasar, the Emperor Nero, it was time to stand before King Herod Agrippa II (also called Marcus Julius Agrippa, or just Agrippa)- a Roman Jew that faithfully served the emperor- and argue his case. Paul was in a holding ground. Quite literally in a place of lock down. While some might think of this as a place of captivity it was also a place of protection. Sometimes we get to places in our lives where we feel like we are chained and cannot go forward, but in reality, we are there not only for our own protection, but also to share our testimony of what God has already done, and what he will continue to do.

Paul delivered his testimony to Agrippa, and “then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persaudest me to be a Christian.” It is said that one of the most miserable people in the world is the one that is in the category of ‘the almost.’

We too can fall in this category throughout the seasons of live, where God has something great in store for us but we shed faith in fear and almost get the victory and have to take a while to recover. But

if we can find that place in our hearts that we can say that on the path to heaven, almost isn’t close enough we will obey the scriptures with all our ability and we will prosper, even in the dark and rainy seasons of life…we have the offer of peace and joy. If almost isn’t close enough, it’s time to draw closer to Him.

After all the first commanded given was “Hear, O Israel, The Lord our God is one Lord and thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.” If we truly believe that He is our God and that we are His people, can can understand that everything really will be alright…..no ‘almost’ about it.