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[expand title=”Devotion Text”]Philippians 1:12-18
I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel, so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to all the rest that my imprisonment is for Christ. And most of the brothers, having become confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, are much more bold to speak the word without fear. Some indeed preach Christ from envy and rivalry, but others from good will. The latter do it out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. The former proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely but thinking to afflict me in my imprisonment. What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed, and in that I rejoice.
As the apostle Paul penned these words to the Philippians, he found himself in a problematic situation. The man called and committed to taking the good news of Jesus Christ throughout the world, was confined in a Roman prison. His calling seemed stymied. But Paul lived his life with this foundational belief: He was confident that God would never waste his time. Paul knew that God would use every situation for his eternal purposes—even those situations that didn’t make sense at the time.
Do you believe that? I know it is difficult. I know it is especially hard for those living in disappointment, discouragement, loss, or grief. You are wondering how in the world God is going to use your present situation for good. How can he use setbacks, failure, hurt, illness, and injustice for good? You must believe God’s Word. For those who love him and are called according to his purposes, he doesn’t waste our time.
Remember this: The Heavenly Father uses earthly problems for eternal purposes. It doesn’t mean the pain is less; it simply means the hurt is used by God to grow you into the man or woman that he wants you to be. He is not done with you. Your impact for him is just beginning. He is molding you today for the person he needs you to be tomorrow.
Talking to God
Father, I pray for those about ready to throw in the spiritual towel. Please encourage their heart as only you can do. Please remind them of your love. Give them the strength they need for today. Give them the hope of a better day tomorrow. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
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