Imagine yourself, setting out on a foreign mission trip to spread the Gospel. When you arrive in the country of your destination, you rent a car and begin driving to your first stop. Along the trip, you all of a sudden see the flashing lights of the local police. They pull you over and arrest you for a charge that you know is completely made up. What would be going through your mind?
In Philippians 1, we find the apostle Paul in this situation. He has been arrested and imprisoned for nothing more than preaching the Gospel. It’s in his difficulty; we find great lessons of perspective and priorities that will serve all of us very well when we encounter the “bad things” of this world.
- (vs. 12-14) – Paul understood that even though his imprisonment was not what he had in mind, that because of it he had a captive audience, the whole praetorian guard, to preach the Gospel.
- (vs. 15-18) – Paul also understood that no matter what the circumstances, it’s all about Christ. Such is this case here, some men preaching Christ with bad motives – trying to hurt Paul.
- (vs. 21-26) – Paul understood that through our difficulties in life, others can grow and be blessed for good. The church in Philippi was encouraged in the progress of their joy and faith because of how Paul approached this situation.
Circumstances don’t always end up the way we would necessarily like for them too. When these times occur, never forget that even through our down times, we must see the good that God can do. Keep a focus that is centered upon God first and others second. When that occurs, there’s not much time left to focus on ourselves and our circumstances.
May God bless you this week as you walk with HIM!
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