I was led to Philippians where the familiar passages leaped off the page and caused me to pause and reflect yet again…

 

“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.” -Philippians 1:12-14

 

I can’t compare my life to Paul’s by any means…but these nuggets of wisdom that he shares throughout the New Testament speaks to my heart and keeps me focused in the midst of so much hard.

 

I pondered this morning and reflected on the countless storms my family and I have weathered.

 

Some I’ve shared.

 

Many I haven’t.

 

But what I can share is that I see as Paul sees…my “chains” have served as an advancement of all God wants to accomplish in and through me, bringing glory to Him.

 

I’m blown away at how the hard has been used to position, train, and advance the will of God in my life.

 

There’s purpose in all situations; He truly does use it all.

 

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. -Romans 8:28

 

In order to grasp the type of perspective that keeps us in a forward motion regardless of what circumstances arise, we must develop a mindset that chooses to see what God is doing, and from there partner with His perfect will.

 

When we live with an understanding that it’s not all about us, it’s all about Him — we find purpose through it all.

 

I pray we all begin to see like Paul.

 

It’s time to take your eyes off your chains and place your full attention on the advancement of what God wants to do in and through you.