Go Deeper: interAct: Bible Study & interAct Study: week 5 & interAct: week 5 insights
They are going through tough times. People . . . all sorts of people . . . have been watching them manage their trials with faith and trust in the presence and power of God . . . and see that despite their adversity . . . they are living each day with purpose and passion.
The thing is . . . tough times . . . trials . . . adversity . . . will form confidence, courage, and strength . . . if we choose. Our response will be our message to those around us.
Paul was serious about Christ . . . a committed follower . . . purposeful . . . and passionate even in the midst of adversity. He knew God had more for him to do . . . to build the church . . . with the Philippians . . . yet to remain on in the flesh is more necessary for your sake. Philippians 1:24
Remember how Paul's circumstances were used: Now I want you to know, brethren, that my circumstances have turned out for the greater progress of the gospel . . . Philippians 1:12
There were people watching . . . the guard and everyone else:
So that my imprisonment in the cause of Christ has become well known throughout the whole praetorian guard and to everyone else. . . Philippians 1:13
The Early Church, the individuals called by God to bring hope to the world, gained confidence and courage as they watched Paul during his adversity: and that most of the brethren, trusting in the Lord BECAUSE of my imprisonment, have far more courage to speak the word of God without fear. . . Philippians 1:14
There is great freedom in knowing our God-given-purpose does not change in adversity. We gain confidence and courage when we know with certainity that God will oversee the outcome of our circumstances.
So, what do we do?
Paul responded to the adversity by continuing to do what he was called to do with confidence that God would take care of the details. His response was a message that changed lives and ultimately built the church. Likewise, our response to life becomes our message to others.
So, what do we do?
Paul responded to the adversity by continuing to do what he was called to do with confidence that God would take care of the details. His response was a message that changed lives and ultimately built the church. Likewise, our response to life becomes our message to others.
Learning with you to KICK START the day . . . knowing what I do is a message to others.
Pastor Kerrie
(interAct written by Kerrie Palmer © 2009 All Rights Reserved)
kpalmer@hillchurch.com ~Church on the Hill~700 N. Hill Rd.~McMinnville, OR 97128~503.472.8476 ~www.hillchurch.com~ interAct
Kick Start Your Day~Archives & Daily Subscription: go to http://kickstarttoday.blogspot.com/
interAct: Bible Study & interAct Study: week 5 & interAct: week 5 insights