Focal Scripture: Philippians 1:12-20
Praise, the Lord Beloved, Happy Wednesday to you.
Welcome to CHOF Bible Fellowship Mid-Week Word.
Beloved, Paul didn’t look at himself as a victim. Regardless of the tremendous corporeal punishment he was enduring and emotional turmoil, he believed he was under God’s sovereign hand. So instead of growing angry and walking away from the faith, the apostle turned to the Lord and continued to mature spiritually.
You know, we can learn much from Paul. He was determined to focus on God’s sovereignty rather than his own will. It’s easy to be hostile, angry, MAD, over the disorder “CONFUSION” that another person has caused in our lives. But, the minute we start thinking that our enemies are in control, we’re defeated. The Bible says in Psalm 103:19 that God “has established His throne in the heavens, and His sovereignty rules over all”. He’s in complete control. We may not understand His reasons for permitting hardship or pain in our lives, but His plan is always for our good and His glory (Jeremiah 29:11 (NLT) says: “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope”.
Furthermore Beloved, believers can learn from Paul’s commitment to focus on positive results rather than on personal agony, distress or pain. Pain, whether in the body or in our mind, often absorbs all of a person’s attention. But, there’s no victory to be had when we dwell on our hurts. God has a plan for that anguish, torment and pain. And Paul is a good example. He rejoiced when the gospel spread to the Praetorian Guard “his jailers”.
Beloved, as I end this morning’s Wednesday word to you, I leave you with this: difficult circumstances are crossroads in the believer’s life. If you take the path of blaming God for your strife, you’ll be dealing with resentment (anger, bitterness, hatred) and negativity. But if you focus on our heavenly Father’s love and provision, you’ll find trust, belief, confidence in other word “OPTIMISM” as you pursue the plans God has for you.
Beloved God’s way is the best way when you are going through rough times.
Have a blessed Wednesday Everyone.