25TH APRIL
Philippians 2:17
“Even if I am to be poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrificial offering of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all.”
How could Paul be glad that he could be poured out as a drink offering? Because he looked at his life in the light of the gospel!
Everything Paul did and said was to bring others to Christ. 1 Corinthians 9:22 says, “I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some.” Paul was ALL about the Great Commission. As a result, he looked at his suffering in the light of how it could bless others. His perspective was not about himself and how much he was suffering, it was about others!
Are you going through a tough time at the moment? How do you think God may be using this time for you to be a witness to others? Are you growing in your faith during your suffering? Can you, in turn, encourage others through that growth?
Do you have trouble understanding why something is happening? Talk to others about it. In you’re talking to them, they may be blessed and be drawn closer to God. Remember that we are not perfect. Your struggles and sufferings show you to be human.
MAKE IT PERSONAL
If you are suffering, bring it to the Lord and ask him to use you through your suffering. When your perspective changes from an inward focus to an outward focus, the burden becomes lifted. Cast your cares upon him and let him take the reins of your life and you will be amazed at what he accomplishes through you during your suffering.