Stephan Hoffman

Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually 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. And because of my chains, most of the brothers and sisters have become confident in the Lord and dare all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear. It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. The latter do so out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defence of the gospel. The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains. 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.  Philippians 1:12-19

When adversity strikes, it’s easy for us to develop spiritual tunnel vision. By this, I mean that we become so blinded by our own circumstances that the world around us darkens and narrows our perspective so that we are only occupied with ourselves.

Paul sees the bigger picture. He can see his chains and imprisonment within the bigger picture of God's kingdom, dominion and victory. Therefore, he can truly rejoice. Instead of wallowing in his own suffering, he testifies about the good that has come from what happened to him. Preaching the gospel is so important to Paul that he accepts his imprisonment gracefully. Because of his chains, the elite group of the palace guard heard about Jesus and subsequently, his fellow brothers and sisters in Christ are encouraged to preach that Jesus is Lord with even more confidence.

Paul does not let himself get upset because of the negativity of people with bad attitudes who stir up trouble for him. As long as the gospel is preached, he is grateful and pleased. The prayers of fellow believers and the support of the Holy Spirit make it possible for Paul to look beyond the walls of the prison and his chains, and to see the kingdom of God.

Can you see the larger perspective? Can you look beyond your circumstances and see the kingdom of God? Let us pray for each other again and ask God to support us through the Holy Spirit, so we will not get discouraged, but we will rejoice in the Lord.

Prayer: Lord, there are so many challenges in our lives and sometimes it feels as if we are prisoners of our own circumstances. Please help us to look beyond the walls of our own worries and be able to see you. Thank you for our fellow believers who pray and work together to expand your kingdom. We also thank you for your Holy Spirit who encourages and supports us each day. Amen