We all have gone through tough times. There have even been moments when we thought there was no way we were going to get out of this seemingly impossible situation. You might be going through that right now. Well you are not alone.
Paul found himself in such a place. He was in prison, chained to a soldier. But before he even landed in prison, he was mocked and beaten. I have never been in prison but I can imagine that it couldn’t be enjoyable. No one would have judged Paul if he would have complained about his situation and looked for some sympathy from the followers of Christ at that time. Here is part of what he wrote to some people in the church of Philippi from that jail cell:
“Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God. 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 1:3-6(NLT)
It’s amazing that Paul would write these words in the midst of his suffering. Maybe Paul is giving us the secret to enduring tough times: focusing on others. Something to think about.
