30TH DECEMBER
2 Timothy 2:8-9
“Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, the offspring of David, as preached in my gospel, for which I am suffering, bound with chains as a criminal. But the word of God is not bound!”
You can live with a ministry mindset no matter how bad your circumstances are!
As the apostle Paul wrote this letter to Timothy he was undergoing great suffering, bound with chains as a criminal. Think about that for a minute. Here is Paul—a committed servant of Christ—captured by the authorities, mistreated like a criminal, imprisoned and shackled with chains, suffering physical and emotional torment day and night, because he chose to be obedient to his call as an apostle of Christ Jesus.
But even in circumstances like these, Paul had an other-focused ministry mindset. He understood that while he was physically bound with chains that prevented him from publicly preaching God’s word—still, the word of God is not bound. He wasted no time on wallowing in his suffering. He chose to use his suffering as a megaphone to continue proclaiming the good news of his Saviour and Lord. With his mind set on God’s agenda he did what he could do—encourage Timothy to remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead—writing letters to the church and teaching the saints from his prison cell.
Remember that God knows what circumstance you are facing. Remember to be his witness to others in that circumstance. Whether you are healthy, sick or in chains, God wants to use you as a witness in the very situation you are facing right now.
MAKE IT PERSONAL:
Have you been focusing on your circumstance or on the opportunities God is giving you to spread his word? In what ways can God use you to share the good news of your risen Lord Jesus in today’s circumstances?