”Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.” Philippians 4:6 NLT
There is always a reason. Always a purpose. Always hope. Always the choice of joy. God is always at work.
I know that I have shared with many of you that I struggled with why Paul was allowed by God to be unjustly imprisoned? In chains. In squalor. Why did God allow arguably the greatest builder, defender and guide of the early Church to be sitting in a jail when so many needed him?
Then one night the Holy Spirit awakened me and said: “Paul was such a man of action that he would have chosen mission work over writing. Paul was placed in prison and restricted so that he would write many of the letters that would become books that would make up two-thirds of the New Testament. Those letters that became books would be read by billions of people with millions choosing to follow Christ.” The Spirit finished with the question: “Now considering this, do you think that Paul’s imprisonment was a waste of time?” He did not allow his momentary restriction to reduce his eternal impact for God’s Kingdom.”
This has stayed with me and has greatly helped me reconcile those times where I felt unproductive and questioned my situation. God’s timing and plan will be revealed as we are ready and our hearts positioned to hear. Our choice is do we languish in self pity or prepare for the assignment ahead. God does not waste time and he certainly does not waste his children.
”Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:7 NLT
Stand up. Study up. Pray up. Expect up. You matter and your impact is profound. Choose today to be God’s vessel.
”Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:11-13 NLt
You’ve got this.