Just a spot in time
Philippians 1:12-14 But I want you to know, brethren, that the things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel, 13 so that it has become evident to the whole palace guard, and to all the rest, that my chains are in Christ; 14 and most of the brethren in the Lord, having become confident by my chains, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.
Paul was in prison, for sharing his faith. Paul was in prison, sharing his faith. Paul was in prison, and the faith of others was growing, because Paul was in prison. Most people end up with prison with the understanding they got caught doing something they were not supposed to. Many times they will throw up a false front, and begin to plea innocence and falsely accused. They seek pity parties, and cry wolf with the “why me” coming into view. They all along are playing the system to try to get their convictions reduced, or a crafty lawyer to get them aquatinted completely, so they can likely return to their lifestyles before.
Paul knew that his preaching the Gospel could end him in prison, just as the criminal should. Paul knew that he answered to only God’s call on his life, the criminal avoid God. Paul knew that the highest calling he had in his life was to spread the news of Jesus Christ that had came to rescue all mankind from sin. Christ came to provide eternal life, and prison was just as temporary as life itself. Paul summarizes his life’s focus in one short sentence in this chapter; 1:21 For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. Paul did not care where his feet took him for each day, each day’s journey was designed by God for a place to spread that hope that lied within Paul. Paul did not care where the Holy Spirit led him, he knew he only had to follow God’s call on his life to spread the Good News until the day he was called home.
I have a friend who’s wife is battling cancer. Many of you personally know this battle and all the struggles of life and death realities that come with it. They both are battling these realities in the strength of their relationship with the Lord. They are scared, but they are secure. They know they cannot understand God’s plans for their lives, but they know that God has a plan for their lives, and this is part of it. They are a testimony to so many that God has put in their circle of influence; just as Paul’s circle in prison to the guards, and to those in the faith that saw him endure. The closer you come to God, the clearer your understanding of life; the life that he has designed and provided you that is truly temporal, but as his child, truly eternal paradise with him awaits…..
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