Philippians 1:12 “I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel…”

It is not unusual, when someone is going through a trial, suffering an illness, or facing a challenge, for loved ones to reach out in encouragement. We not only want others to know we care, but we want to know how things are going with them. Such was the case between the church at Philippi and Paul. He was in trouble and they sent someone to remind him of their care and love and to find out ‘How are things with you, Paul?’ In keeping the ‘main thing the main thing,’ Paul skips right past how he is doing personally and tells them the gospel is ‘moving forward’ because of what has happened to me. Paul’s life was so intertwined in preaching the gospel that when asked about himself he speaks about how the gospel is doing! Paul was reminding beloved brothers and sisters that the messenger is secondary to the message. For Paul, if the gospel is doing well, how can he be doing any worse? Are you so focused on the purpose that God has for you today that as your purpose is fulfilled, you are filled with joy, regardless of what is going on around you?

Pray: Lord God, forgive me if I have been so caught up in my own circumstances that I have forgotten that sometimes I must suffer for your message to move forward. Our redemption was found only on the other side of our Lord’s suffering. So too, it may be necessary at times for me to go through things in order for your word to reach the world. Change my focus today from me to the message and help me remember that my doing well, or poorly, is not a condition of my circumstances but rather is determined by the success of the mission you have placed me on. In your Son’s holy name I pray - Amen.”