37 As the soldiers were about to take Paul into the barracks, he asked the commander, “May I say something to you?” “Do you speak Greek?” he replied. 38 “Aren’t you the Egyptian who started a revolt and led four thousand terrorists out into the wilderness some time ago?” 39 Paul answered, “I am a Jew, from Tarsus in Cilicia, a citizen of no ordinary city. Please let me speak to the people.” 40 After receiving the commander’s permission, Paul stood on the steps and motioned to the crowd. When they were all silent, he said to them in Aramaic: 1 “Brothers and fathers, listen now to my defense.” 2 When they heard him speak to them in Aramaic, they became very quiet.

Acts 21:37 - 22:2

The situation that Paul found himself in would have been terrifying to most men. He was in the hands of the ruling power of the day and at the wrong end of an angry crowd. The crowd desired to kill him, and the Romans were set on torturing him. But Paul knew how to leverage any situation to his advantage, specifically to accomplish his mission. This circumstance was no different. Paul wisely used his position to address the crowd and the right language to gain an audience.

Any situation can be leveraged for mission success. Instead of focusing on how bad things are, look for opportunities to keep moving forward. Paul did this by using his unique position as a Roman citizen and devout Pharisee. Next time the situation seems bad, consider how to use what you have to further the mission. “Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.” Ephesians 5:15-16

DO THIS TODAY: Look for ways to make the most of every opportunity.