Focal Pointe Week #20

Advance

Philippians 1:12 (ESV) “I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel…”

Paul assures the Philippians that, even though he is in prison, the gospel is still advancing. He has total confidence that no matter what, he will be delivered and Jesus will be honored.

Paul knows that the Philippians are upset over his imprisonment, so he encourages them by pointing out that his tough times are resulting in the advancement of the gospel. His joyfulness in difficult circumstances should serve as an example for us to also rejoice, even in difficult times. Easier said than done, isn’t it? Paul didn’t just rejoice after tough times, he rejoiced during tough times. How can we remember to rejoice during tough times?

For starters, try thinking about some difficult circumstances you’ve faced in the past that God has later used to help others. Would it have been helpful to know then, while you were actually in the middle of experiencing the pain that God was going to use that time later? Now you know, but did you know then? You can, and you should.

That’s the very experience you can think of next time you are in conflict, anger, hurt, sorrow, pain, fear, resentment. Think about that time and think about the fact that God used it. He will use this time too. Paul explains in the book of Romans that “all things work together for good”.

Romans 8:28 (ESV) “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”

“All things” means even the tough times. So how will God use the difficult circumstances you find yourself in next? How will He use the complicated situation you’re in now? I encourage you to prayerfully consider Philippians 1:12 and Romans 8:28 this week.

God bless you in all times,

Shawn