God I think I was going strong the first couple days of the flood. But after the adrenaline faded and reality hit in, when I had to face day to day new challenges. When the stress of a big conference for work coming up kicked in. When I had a bad headache and back pain. Then it wasn't as easy to rejoice.
But God I ask that you teach me to rejoice despite my circumstances. Even in those circumstances whether good or bad.
For Paul before me wrote in Philippians chapter 1:
12 Now I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel. 13 As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. 14 Because of my chains, most of the brothers in the Lord have been encouraged to speak the word of God more courageously and fearlessly.
Paul sees despite being in jail and limited in his preaching and teaching to writing letter and those around him that God is using this situation for the advance of the gospel.
God I pray that you would use my story and your provision from the flooding to advance your gospel!
18 But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, 19 for I know that through your prayers and the help given by the Spirit of Jesus Christ,what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance.
But in the last few days I have gotten sick probably from a mix of different things: the dirty house, being around lots of people, traveling a lot, lack of exercise, stress and so on. How does my sickness advance the gospel? How is Christ preached when I am sick and stuck at the doctors and at home?
Maybe I could write letters like Paul did?
20 I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death.
God give me strength and courage to endure these circumstances and to still rejoice! I am concerned I will let this affect my attitude and the way I portray Christ. God help me to exalt Christ in my words, actions, prayers, attitude, relationships and the way I take care of my body.
God I pray that you bring about good things in me and through me for Christ and the gospel in whatever circumstances I face in the coming days. Through this work I pray that I would rejoice because of Christ's glory!
Amen
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