Paul writes his letter to the Philippians from prison. He’s chained to the guards in Rome. He’s awaiting a trial that could result in his execution. He doesn’t know if he’s going to live or die. On top of all that, there are other preachers in Rome who are bad-mouthing him. Paul’s brothers and sisters in Philippi are worried about him. They’ve sent money and supplies to him in Rome. They’ve sent Epaphroditus there to check on him. They want to know, “Paul, how are you doing?”
And Paul says, “I’m great!”
“Now I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the Gospel.” ~Philippians 1:12
Paul’s identity is in Christ and his focus is on the Gospel. That’s what shapes and informs Paul’s perspective. Paul comes at everything — EVERYTHING! — from the perspective of what God is doing to redeem the world. Paul sees everything — EVERYTHING! — from the perspective of how God’s using him to accomplish that redemption. And because of this, Paul’s able to rejoice. He sees things the way the Lord sees things. He thinks about things the way God thinks about things.
So Paul has a joyful perspective that radically impacts the way he thinks, the way he talks, the way he reacts, the way he sees everything.
Paul knows that the same same God who used Moses’ rod and David’s sling and Gideon’s pitchers and Joshua’s trumpets and a Roman cross and an empty tomb is now using Paul’s chains. And our God is doing the same thing today in your life, too. He’s using your chains. He’s using your weakness. He’s using your circumstance. Your illness. Your financial situation. Your house. Your relationships with others. God’s using all of those things to redeem those around you.
God is using the very things that right now may have you feeling trapped. God is very aware of those things that make you feel stuck or imprisoned. And he’s using them. He’s using you right now to advance the Gospel!
You do see that, right?
Peace,
Allan
No – you don’t always see it and I would question someone who says they do. When the pain is so great, it’s hard to just get out of bed. Or to make it through church without crying. Or try to answer a question and just break down.
It’s tough to see it. Hopefully someone can see where we are and hold us up until we can see it for ourselves.
Great post I’m sure many needed today! I think many DO see it. Not everyone does, but many do. Doesn’t make it less tough, but IMO, I think we have to be looking for it too. It’s not always evident. And yet that’s where we are called to encourage one another and hold each other up.
I think of our dear brother Quincy D. who thanks God in prayer for his stroke. THAT example has led me to genuinely appreciate my father’s Alzheimer’s and the many ways I know that it is growing our family, and me personally. I totally see how it is, and will continue to, preparing me for something else God may have in store for me down the road.
Still tough. Still hurts. Still cry now and again. Don’t always want to talk about it. But I do see it, and thanks to the example of faithful servants like Apostle Paul and Quincy D., I’m grateful for it.