“22 Since Felix was accurately informed about the Way, he adjourned the hearing, saying, ‘When Lysias the commander comes down, I will decide your case.’ 23 He ordered that the centurion keep Paul under guard, though he could have some freedom, and that he should not prevent any of his friends from serving him.

24 After some days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish, he sent for Paul and listened to him on the subject of faith in Christ Jesus. 25 Now as he spoke about righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come, Felix became afraid and replied, ‘Leave for now, but when I find time I’ll call for you.’ 26 At the same time he was also hoping that money would be given to him by Paul. For this reason he sent for him quite often and conversed with him.

27 After two years had passed, Felix received a successor, Porcius Festus, and because he wished to do a favor for the Jews, Felix left Paul in prison.”

Acts 24:22-27

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Paul is in a tough spot here. He has pled his case. The truth has been revealed, and he even has the opportunity to speak his heart to Felix & family from time to time. But in between those opportunities come the long days of solitude. Yes, he has friends and fellow Christians serving him during his time in prison and is allowed a little freedom, but he is a prisoner nonetheless. 

It doesn’t have to be prison that brings us to these times though. My mind instantly goes to people who find themselves in the hospital for a long time, those who live in long-term care facilities and nursing homes. What of those who are left to face the long march of days on their own? How do they fare day to day when it seems like no one remembers them, like nobody cares? Where do their hearts and minds go during the lonely hours of the afternoon? Who holds up their arms in that daily struggle to maintain their humanity? Who brings them comfort and care? 

We are so quick to seek comfort for ourselves, but we delay in bringing it to others. We prioritize our schedules and what we want to see done over and beyond what their actual needs may be. In choosing to ignore or neglect their need, we rob them of their humanity. It feels good to get our work done, but we must question the nature of our work if it does not allow us to care for ‘the least of these’ as Christ desired for us to do. Paul’s friends, those who came to minister to him? They are doing the work of Christ just as much as Paul is by preaching and testifying. Their quiet faithfulness, hidden in the background of history, was part of what helped sustain him. They served as the hands and feet of Christ in Paul’s life when he needed it most. 

As for us, we need to be mindful to render that same service to others. We need to care for and lift them up. Pray with them. Visit with them. Let God comfort them through you. Be the quiet faithfulness that helps to maintain them through the long, lonely hours just as God does for you. Trust in God to sustain you in your lonely days & know that He is near to the broken hearted (Ps 34:18). GoLove them in Jesus’ Name, and in the daily rhythms of His great grace.