12 Brothers and sisters, I want you to know that the things that have happened to me have actually advanced the gospel. 13 The whole Praetorian Guard and everyone else knows that I’m in prison for Christ. 14 Most of the brothers and sisters have had more confidence through the Lord to speak the word boldly and bravely because of my jail time.
Reflection
I am not super gifted in the art of looking at the bright side. For whatever reason, my mind always goes to “What’s the worst that can happen?” as opposed to the positive “How might this work in my favor?” I wish I were more inclined to the latter, but it just doesn’t come as naturally for me.
Whether it was always with him, or a peculiar gift of the Spirit, positive thinking seems to have come naturally to Paul. Even as he wrote from locked rooms where he was awaiting trial (and eventual execution!) for preaching the gospel, he maintained a strong sense of “even now, God can use this for good!” It’s clear that Paul used his time wisely by continuing to preach the gospel, even to his jailers.
It takes courage to choose to look for the silver lining in our circumstances when the storm clouds are all around us. Despair and surrender are easy. But to live in hope and purpose in spite of our challenges is an act of courage.
Which will you choose today?
by Joe Monahan
For Pondering and Prayer
Where do your thoughts more naturally incline – toward hope or toward despair? Today, maybe it’s time to pray for the hope that’s born of the Spirit!
Prayer: Lord of All Hopefulness, we know it is far to easy to succumb to despair. Keep your purposes before us, even when things seem bleak. Remind us that beyond the cross is the empty tomb. Help us find the courage to look for the good and find your hope today. Amen.