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."
(The Daily Devotional Guide of the Church of Nigeria Anglican Communion)
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