Digging Deep (Cont)

As I look at Paul in chapter 2 and 3 of Philippians, I started to think about his current state. He is a full-time missionary whose sole purpose in life is Jesus and to share the Gospel of Jesus. But he is in jail. When he asks for prayer, in Ephesians, about his current state he doesn't ask for them to pray that he would get out, but he ask them to pray that he would speak boldly in sharing the mysteries of the Gospel. Wow.

Paul is locked-up unlawfully and he isn't concerned with his current state or location in life. He is concerned with sharing the Gospel with the people that are in chains with him and also guards that have imprisoned him. Then when I turn back and go to Philippians I see Paul says the Gospel is evident in to the whole palace guard. The prayer was answered.

In Chapter 2 and 3 Paul insists on continuing to talk about doing ministry and making an impact where he is and pouring out to other places by sending Epaphroditus. This is amazing to me because he has such a great impact on so many people while in chains. And then, he goes even further to say do all things without complaining. Wow again.


I find it astonishing that Paul was never focused on his circumstance and changing them. His main focus was God changing him within that circumstance so he could speak the Gospel. I think I forget about how I got here. I forget how God has used my circumstances in the past to refine me to who I am today.

Paul says, "Nevertheless, to the degree that we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us be of the same mind." He gives encouragement to stay in line spiritually and keep progressing by the same principles that brought them growth to this point. Stay in the season that Jesus has us in and remember the growth he has done in us through the past seasons of life.