Philippians 1:12-13 "Now I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the Gospel. As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ."
Do you ever find yourself having a case of the 'If Onlys"? If only I hadn't gone there, If only I had thought before i spoke, If only I hadn't seen that video, If only I hadn't chosen to spend that money on that, If only I had listened to, If only I hadn't bought that new car, If only I had stuck it out a little longer, If only I had stopped to help sooner . . . if only. We think that if we had chosen to do things differently then we might have been a better Christian or a better witness of the Gospel; however, if you look closely at this section of the letter that Paul wrote to the Philippians, you will see that this scripture tells us a very different story. What it really shows us is that in spite of our problems, our struggles, our decisions or our trials, Christ Jesus can be glorified, depending on what we do with Him,
"Now I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the Gospel. As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ." Philippians 1:12-13
At this writing, Paul was imprisoned in Rome but not as a criminal. He was being restrained until he could stand trial in front of Caesar. The law required that he be guarded at all times during the night and day and chained to the guard on duty. They were probably loosely chained together with a small light chain. He was not allowed to leave the premises but could entertain guests so he was able to continue to teach and preach all that he wanted to. The men who guarded him were privileged to spend up to 6 hours a day with him. Can you imagine the wealth of knowledge and information they gleaned? The moving of the Spirit in that place? And can you imagine the converts that came forth from that home and the ministries or churches that were started because of the guards' influences?
Paul had the mindset that his life was not his own; therefore, where ever He found himself, he believed that God had a reason for allowing him to be there and was in total control of his life. Paul continually focused on God's purposes and advancing the Kingdom instead of his own agenda. He understood that it wasn't all about him which is quite often where we fall short. When we can set aside the "Me Mentality" and focus on God's purposes and His ways, then we can think more clearly and settle into God's agenda. The word advancing means to continue forward in an improved state so it's no wonder that Paul could write, "What has happened to me has really advanced the gospel.
Friends, If we use our circumstances as a platform for advancing the Gospel at every opportunity just think how many lives we could impact and how great our influences would be for the Kingdom of Jesus Christ.
Might this affect our complaining in the future?
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Personalize this prayer.
Dear Lord,
Whoa! Forgive me for complaining. I know that my life is not all about me and I have no excuse. This culture has brainwashed us into thinking that we deserve everything and that is just not correct. We deserve nothing and since I am a Believer, my life is no longer my own. I've become a bond servant to You. I needed this reminder so much. Please make me sensitive to my circumstances and prompt me to remember that You are allowing everything for a grander purpose. Even when I don't understand, I pray that You would help me to surrender to Your will and Your ways. Help me to change my mindset and be Kingdom focused from here on out. For Thine is the Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory for ever.
Amen
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