After we had torn ourselves away from them, we put out to sea and sailed straight to Kos. The next day we went to Rhodes and from there to Patara. We found a ship crossing over to Phoenicia, went on board and set sail. After sighting Cyprus and passing to the south of it, we sailed on to Syria. We landed at Tyre, where our ship was to unload its cargo. We sought out the disciples there and stayed with them seven days. Through the Spirit they urged Paul not to go on to Jerusalem. When it was time to leave, we left and continued on our way. All of them, including wives and children, accompanied us out of the city, and there on the beach we knelt to pray. After saying goodbye to each other, we went aboard the ship, and they returned home.

I can’t help but think that this journey of Paul’s represented a few things to a few different people. To those who looked at it from an earthly standpoint, it was a trip to his hardship and possibly death. There were many who had it in for Paul because he preached the truth.

But I believe Paul saw this trip differently. He saw it as a victory lap! The eternal battle was already won and he got to reconnect with his spiritual children in the Lord. He took way more joy in the fellowship with them than concern or fear in the future hardships.

This is a secret to the success of Paul’s ministry. He understood that nothing in this world has any power over him. The only one who has power over his life is Jesus Christ — and that power was for his good!

Who has power over my life today? Do I let worry and doubt, anger and frustration, or envy and bitterness have power over me? Why? I have Jesus. His power is greater. If I truly believe this, I will go to him in those moments and rely on his power.

Lord, thank you that you were the one who allowed Paul to take a victory lap here on his way to persecution. Help me to take spiritual victory laps and not give into the cares of this world. Focus my mind on you prevailing grace!