"I want you to know, brethren, that the things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel." -Philippians 1:12
What does the view look like to you when dealing with strife and suffering in your life? Do you turn inward, shut down, and simply put up walls between you and your friends and family? Perhaps you feel you've been treated unjustly and become bitter, seeking ways to lash out or extract payback against the world. Or maybe you simply develop a "woe is me" attitude, believing that God has somehow forgotten about you and things will never be better than they are now.
My friends, we've all been there. Yet there is another choice. We can choose trust. We can choose faith.
In this particular verse in Philippians, Paul is referencing the fact that, even as he's writing these words, he's sitting in chains in prison. Verse 13 continues, "So that it has become evident to the whole palace guard and to all the rest that my chains are in Christ; and most of the brethren in the Lord, having become confident by my chains, are much more bold to speak the word without fear." Indeed, that's the kind of an attitude that turns scars into stars.
When you choose to proclaim your positive faith in Christ, even in the midst of your suffering, there is no doubt that you will change the lives of others. Others around you will see your witness, your faith in action, and little seeds of faith will be planted in their hearts. When that happens, congratulations! God just used you to bring another lost soul into His fold!
* * *
PRAYER:
Heavenly Father, Thank You for using me for Your grand and glorious purpose! What an honor to be chosen by You to change the world. In Jesus' name, Amen.
* * *
Do you have difficulty trusting? Even trusting God? How do you feel when you allow your faith to overcome your fear? How does faith in Christ give you strength to face fearful situations?
By Jim Penner-Hour of Power (http://www.hourofpower.org/)
^^^*^^^
The Future Of The Crystal Cathedral
No comments:
Post a Comment