Acts 7:58-8:4…and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man’s feet, whose name was Saul…and Saul was consenting (giving permission) unto his death…he made havock of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison.
The next verse will tell us that the followers of Christ were scattered. Can you imagine being a follower of Christ at this time? Your biggest fear would be locking eyes with Saul. There were those that were lucky enough to fly under the radar, but there were also those that were taken from their families, split up and thrown into prison.
Saul was a presence of evil. I imagine, (because I would think this way), that many Christians pleaded with the Lord to take out Saul. “Lord, if you just do away with Saul, then your gospel will be able to go forth more effectively.
I am sure that they resonated with the cry of Habakkuk (1:2) - How long?
How long, Lord? How long will you allow Saul to roam the streets, killing and imprisoning your people?
Maybe you have asked the same question: Lord, how long will you let evil roam the streets? Why would a good God allow this evil to walk the streets? Even though the disciples longed for Saul to be taken out, God had a different plan. You know the rest of the story, had God taken out Saul, there would be no Paul. You would not have the thirteen letters that Paul wrote. The missionary journeys to neighboring countries/cities would not have happened.
We must remember that God is not the author of evil, but he is the user of evil (Genesis 50:20).
Remember Romans 8:28? Yea the verse written by Paul? The one that says that God works ALL things out for our good?
Paul knew two things about God:
God has a purpose
The Lord’s purpose will be accomplished regardless of the circumstances. God had a plan for Saul’s life. He wanted to use Saul’s life. He wanted to use Paul’s inspired writings. Even in the presence of evil, God had a plan.
God has patience
God is incredibly patient, but we are often so impatient with Him. Even though the disciples probably wondered why God allowed Saul to keep walking around, “making havoc,” God was patient because He was pursuing Saul.
We have much evil in the world around us. Violence, hate, crimes against the innocent, natural disasters, hunger, sickness, greed, disease, and the list goes on. What in your life is the present evil? What in your life is a persisting trial? Ever wonder why a good and loving God would allow this evil or trials to walk the streets? Remember God works all things out for our good, even the evil. He has a plan and He has patience.
How long? - Exhibit patience in the purpose and trust Him.
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