Devotion 9.18.26
Philippians 1
12 I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel, 13 so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to all the rest that my imprisonment is for Christ.
Paul emphasizes using our time to advance the gospel of Christ regardless of circumstance.
Being in a hostile place yet still advancing the faith is nothing new in scripture. Paul is simply advancing a theme for us as followers of Christ to remember as we advance in our own lives.
Think of the places his people have been:
A flood of biblical proportions - Noah
The pit then an Egyptian prison - Joseph
Set afloat in the waters of the Nile to be drawn out and then as punishment from pharaoh put out in the desert where he begins his ministry - Moses
Job and the trials he endured.
A fiery furnace and a lion's den - Daniel
The belly of a fish - Jonah
Prison - Paul
From sitting at the Father's right hand to earth where he will die horrifically and visit hell during that three-day period, to rise again triumphantly on the third day to proclaim victory over sin, Satan, and death - Christ
"TBD" - you and me
Almost everyone reading this is nestled in the land of liberty where we are still free to express our belief in Christ and to worship freely, although our culture has shifted in this century. Yet, did you know that of the countries in which the gospel is advancing rapidly, many are completely hostile to even saying Christ's name publicly? Iran, China, Vietnam... (see the attached article).
God uses us where he places us. He is with us always. He was with the men above as they endured, and he is with you and me. He has plans for us:
"11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29
Where are you in life right now? A pit? A plateau? A high. God is with us in all places at all times. He will give us opportunities in all three to witness on his behalf. Will we respond to the call.
Pray with me; God, in times where it seems insurmountable, help me to know you are with me. Help me to grow from my experiences to better serve you. Help me to know your plans for me and to use these experiences as I share your gospel message, a message of love and hope, to those in need. Amen.
Hope Men's Ministry is a ministry in service to Hope Lutheran Church and School. Our purpose is to grow, unite, and share God's Word to all men through meaningful activities. These activities center on fellowship, service, conversation, prayer, study and devotion as we seek to become men of God as He created us to be.