“Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, to all the saints in Christ Jesus at Philippi, together with the overseers and deacons: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now… Now I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel. As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ.”
Philippians 1:1-5; 12-13
This was Paul’s first letter from prison to the church at Philippi. Obviously the Philippians were anxious to hear how Paul was doing. The apostle could have started off his letter, “I’m glad you’re praying because I need it. The prison guards are mean, my chains are chafing, the grub is lousy, the nights are freezing, my bed is hard, I can’t sleep, and the other inmates are bullies. This place ain’t no picnic!” That’s how some people might have responded, but not Paul. He was not about to drag the Philippians down with a long list of complaints. Rather, he strove to encourage the church with his prayers and to assure them the Gospel was going forth.
Paul says in Acts 20:24, ” I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me — the task of testifying to the gospel of God’s grace.” His focus in good times and bad was the going-forth of the gospel. What an example! Throughout your day, think of how your circumstances and encounters with others serve to advance the good news of Jesus.
Lord God, the good news is the goal of my day. Help me not to complain about my problems, but to see them as opportunities to share the gospel.
