Verse: Philippians 1:12-13
12 Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel. 13 As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ.
Devotion
This verse has always amazed me. Paul's attitude is incredible. I am humbled and challenged by his perspective that he is "in chains for Christ." Rather than bemoan his circumstances, or blame others, or complain about how unfair it is, he sees an opportunity for God to use him. He's sees God's hand even in this dark circumstance.
It got me thinking this morning, I wonder if we can substitute something in that sentence in our lives. "I am in ______ for Christ." Can we see God's hand in our lives? Maybe you are "in school for Christ." Maybe he has you in that particular school at this particular time for a reason! Maybe God wants to use you there!
"I am in my job for Christ." "I live in __________ for Christ." I am part of that baseball team for Christ."
Could we begin to see everything in our lives as opportunities for God to use us? If God could use Paul in prison, I am confident he can use us in our daily lives. Maybe you are part of that group, that team, that workplace at this time for a reason. Maybe you are going to be used to bless the team, be a friend to someone in need, or invite someone to church and see their life changed.
It's a different way of viewing life. Would it be possible to start to view all of our regular places of interaction with people as "opportunities for God to work in and through us?"