Daily Fountain 2017 - Tue211117 - The Good In Difficult Circumstances

Tuesday November 21

Bible Reading:     Phil. 1: 12 - 18

Topic:                  The Good In Difficult Circumstances

Today Paul teaches us how to respond to negative circumstances that can damage our faith.

Firstly, rather than become depressed and discouraged in his imprisonment, Paul used the opportunity to share the gospel with all the soldiers to whom he was chained, resulting in the entire Praetorian Guard hearing about Jesus (vs. 12-13).

Moreover, most brethren who observed his courage in his affliction were encouraged to preach the good news without fear (v. 14).

Beloved, you can use the challenges you may be experiencing now to advance the gospel.

Rather than allow them to defeat you, pray that God will use them to His glory.

Secondly, Paul refused to be frustrated by those who preached the gospel out of selfish ambition in order to cause him trouble.

Rather than dwell on their false motives, he rejoiced that the gospel was being preached, and took encouragement from the boldness of those who loved him and sought to encourage him in his chains (vs. 15-18).

In all things, our God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to His purpose (Rom. 8: 28), so let us use our difficulties as stepping stones to growth and maturity.

Prayer

Dear Father, help me to always see the good in difficult circumstances in Jesus name. Amen.

Memory Verse             Phil. 1: 18

"What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is preached; and in this I rejoice, yes, and will rejoice."

Source:     The Daily Fountain 2017
(The Daily Devotional Guide of the Church of Nigeria Anglican Communion)