Making Lemonade

Philippians 1:12 - 14 "Now I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really 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. Because of my chains, most of the brothers in the Lord have been encouraged to speak the word of God more courageously and fearlessly."

Now, this is what I call taking lemons and making lemonade! Paul was in a really rotten situation, and yet he chose to focus on the good that was coming out of it! While being guarded, he seized the opportunity to share Christ with the Roman guards, and apparantly many of them were sympathetic with Paul's cause. And, he recognized that because of the injustice he was suffering, more and more Christians were speaking out.

Like Paul, many of us are going through difficult times. Many of us are experiencing injustice of one kind or another. And yet, we can choose to remain positive, knowing that God will bring good out of our hardship! When we go through difficulties, we can be certain that others are watching us. When we handle our situations with grace and poise, when we face hardship with calm expressions on our f aces, we encourage others! As they watch the peace that rules our hearts in spite of bad circumstances, they will be drawn to the source of that peace.

What are your chains today, my friend? Are you experiencing sickness? Stressful job situation? Financial burden? Though the place you are in may not bring you happiness, God wants to give you joy. Though your situation may not be tranquil, God wants you to know Him as the source of peace. And if you let Him, He will bring something wonderful out of rotten conditions. Depend on Him, and like Paul, you can face each day with confidence, knowing that He will bring you through to the other side with something good.

Dear Father, Please help me to handle difficult situations with grace, peace, and faith in Your goodness.

Amen