LENT DAY 6

I am looking at Philippians Chapter one and thinking about Paul. When I get stuck in frustration, when I find myself in a place that was not on my plan, I have two choices. The first choice is of the flesh...frustration, trying to get out, self pity of where I am, envying my neighbor and where they are. The second is of God and is illustrated to a tee with Paul's experience of prison. The second choice it to see your situation from God's perspective. How does God see you and what is the big picture. Paul situation was dire. The Lord Jesus brought Paul to Rome to complete the mission strategy that Jesus gave to his disciples just before his ascension into heaven. Paul was put under house arrest and imprisoned for two years.

Paul might have been "in prison" but not "imprisoned". Although in captivity, Paul was able to continue the ministry. He was able to receive visitors, minister to those who came to him and care for the needs of the church by means of letters which he was free to write, these letters have

Paul wrote his letters to the Colossians, to Philemon, and to the Ephesians and Philippians while under this house arrest in Rome. These letters were written around A.D. 60 to 61. Because Paul was under house arrest and imprisoned at the time, his letters have been called his imprisonment or captivity letters.

Paul turned the obstacle of prison into an opportunity. He trusted God and continued his mission despite his situation. When you struggle, ask God to show you His perspective. Think of Paul. He had a different guard chained to his side every six hours. Most would implode with frustration. Paul he looked at it as his opportunity to have an audience. Sharing the Good News of Christ was his mission and it did not matter what the surroundings, he continued that mission.

When you put your trust in Christ you can turn obstacles into opportunities. You can transform challenges into to chances to trust God. Paul saw his house arrest as an opportunity. He saw the big picture and was obedient. He ministered to the people through his letters and although the churchs of this region are in ruins, his letters, the word of God, still stands and this word we can stand on.

Romans 8:28

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."

Lord help me today to see your perspective. I want to share the Good news of Christ despite what obstacles might come up in my life.