DAY 6: A Spirit That’s Provoked

Paul’s time in Athens reveals something critical about the posture of a true evangelist: he allowed his spirit to be provoked. As he waited for Silas and Timothy, he wasn’t idle. He was observing, listening, and noticing the spiritual landscape of the city. And what he saw moved him—deeply. The Greek word describing Paul’s emotional response is paroxysm—an intense, uncontrollable reaction. He was angry, yes, but more than that—he was grieved by the spiritual emptiness masquerading as religious fervour.

This emotional jolt didn’t lead Paul to cynicism or retreat. It pushed him toward action. He began to preach—to reason with Jews, Greeks, and philosophers alike—because he couldn’t stay silent. He didn’t wait for a perfect opportunity. He was stirred by what he saw, and that inner compulsion drove him to speak.

What stirs your spirit today?

Is it injustice? Family breakdown? Young people walking away from truth?

The presence of a holy discontent may be a clue to what God is calling you to address with the light and freedom of the gospel. Evangelism isn’t always about having the right words—it’s about having the right heart. A heart that can still be disturbed. A spirit sensitive to what grieves God’s heart.

In a world that tells us to “look away,” the Spirit of God often calls us to lean in. Like Paul, we need to let ourselves be moved, then let that movement turn into our mission.

Reflection Questions:

1. What issues or injustices in society provoke your spirit? Why?
2. Do you allow yourself to be stirred by what you see in the world, or have you become numb?
3. How could you turn your “holy discontent” into action this week?