Paul didn't let anything get him down. No matter where he found himself, even in Jail, he made it an opportunity to share Christ. I love how he said, "they gave me a pulpit!"
“I can hardly wait to continue on my course. I don’t expect to be embarrassed in the least. On the contrary, everything happening to me in this jail only serves to make Christ more accurately known, regardless of whether I live or die. They didn’t shut me up; they gave me a pulpit!"
Philippians 1:18-26 MSG
It's as if he was given a new pair of glasses. He saw things differently than I might have. Through his example I am encouraged to look at my own circumstances differently.
Joseph did the same thing after being sold into slavery by his brothers. He wasn't just sold into slavery, things got worse. He found himself in Jail for a crime he didn't commit. He never got angry. He didn't sit in unforgiveness or bitterness. He didn't question God or lose trust in Him. When he was reunified with his brothers he was so gracious, “And now, do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you.”
Genesis 45:5 NIV
I want to see like this. I want to look through a lens if you will that allows me to see the Lord's hand at work in all situations. I don't want to waste an opportunity.
Lord give me this kind of faith no matter where I find myself today. Give me a new pair of glasses so I may see things as you do. I want to see the opportunities all around me to serve others and make you famous!
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