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14 November 2007
Philippians 1 v 12-14
I want you brothers and sisters to know that what has happened to me has helped to spread the Good News. All the palace guards and everyone else knows that I am in prison because I am a believer in Christ. Because I am in prison, most of the believers have become more bold in Christ and are not afraid to speak the word of God.
How should we think about our hardships?
I don't live in a country where I'll get thrown into prison for being a Christian. The most I've had to suffer for sharing my faith is probably when my mates mock me tell me to shut up! If you wanted to get some insight into how Christians get persecuted in our world today and how to pray for them, check out The International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church.
Paul's perspective on his suffering is excellent. He knows he's not there because he's a criminal or because he's done anything wrong. He knows the reason he's there is because that's where God wants him for the time being. More than this, he has the faith and insight to see a possible reason why. He sees that his being in prison is helping other Christians to share their faith more courageously and so he is encouraged.
Next time you're enduring hardships that you don't deserve, think about how God might be using it to do his work in those around you. Let your imagination run for a while on this thought and then turn it into a prayer for God to use your suffering to save or strengthen others somehow.
Father, in times of suffering I need your comfort. Thank you that you are with me always. Please help me to trust in your purposes for my life and for others, even when I can't see the reasons why. I trust you because I know you love me. I want to feel your love more, Lord. Help me! Amen.
Written by Dave Pegg
Philippians 1 v 12-14
I want you brothers and sisters to know that what has happened to me has helped to spread the Good News. All the palace guards and everyone else knows that I am in prison because I am a believer in Christ. Because I am in prison, most of the believers have become more bold in Christ and are not afraid to speak the word of God.
How should we think about our hardships?
I don't live in a country where I'll get thrown into prison for being a Christian. The most I've had to suffer for sharing my faith is probably when my mates mock me tell me to shut up! If you wanted to get some insight into how Christians get persecuted in our world today and how to pray for them, check out The International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church.
Paul's perspective on his suffering is excellent. He knows he's not there because he's a criminal or because he's done anything wrong. He knows the reason he's there is because that's where God wants him for the time being. More than this, he has the faith and insight to see a possible reason why. He sees that his being in prison is helping other Christians to share their faith more courageously and so he is encouraged.
Next time you're enduring hardships that you don't deserve, think about how God might be using it to do his work in those around you. Let your imagination run for a while on this thought and then turn it into a prayer for God to use your suffering to save or strengthen others somehow.
Father, in times of suffering I need your comfort. Thank you that you are with me always. Please help me to trust in your purposes for my life and for others, even when I can't see the reasons why. I trust you because I know you love me. I want to feel your love more, Lord. Help me! Amen.
Written by Dave Pegg
