In today's verse, Paul is in prison because of his ministry. He's now unable to tell the world about Jesus Christ. Yet, for all of his limitations, Paul is happy.
Why is he happy? Well, for one thing, he's happy because he has time to write instructive letters to his followers. He completed four such letters at this time, including Philippians, Colossians, Ephesians and Philemon. Being able to encourage people (he could no longer see in person) gave him cause to rejoice.
“Whenever I pray, I make my requests for all of you with joy, for you have been my partners in spreading the Good News about Christ from the time you first heard it until now. And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.“ (Philippians 1:4-5 NLT).
He's also happy because he's been able to tell the prison guards the Good News about Jesus. Clearly this wouldn't have been possible if he hadn't been imprisoned. To be able to reach a totally different group of people with the promise of salvation was a blessing. Not only that, but the believers in Rome gained a new confidence when they saw what Paul was doing.
“And I want you to know, my dear brothers and sisters, that everything that has happened to me here has helped to spread the Good News. For everyone here, including the whole palace guard, knows that I am in chains because of Christ. And because of my imprisonment, most of the believers here have gained confidence and boldly speak God’s message without fear.“ (Philippians 1:12-14 NLT).
If we have suffered loss, whether it's from being unable to move about as we used to, or because we don't have the resources to help those we've assisted in the past, we have help at hand. Let's ask the Lord for His guidance in our time of need. He is more than able to help us get creative in serving others who are nearby. We can still prove God's grace by telling them of His goodness, no matter how difficult our position.
“My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the LORD. “And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts.“ (Isaiah 55:8-9 NLT)
Whatever our situation, we can be a blessing to others by our obedience to God’s will. If we rejoice in our sorrow, the Father and the Son shall make their home with us.
“All who love me will do what I say. My Father will love them, and we will come and make our home with each of them. (John 14:23 NLT).
