Philippians 1:12-18
While under house arrest, Paul wrote his letter to the Philippians. Though he probably lived somewhere more comfortable than a prison, Paul was more than likely chained to a Roman soldier 24 hours a day. And that had been the case for two years. What’s more, the future was uncertain.
Under such circumstances, Paul might have thought to ask the Lord to release him. After all, God had called him to preach, to disciple believers, and to reach the Gentiles. But he was stuck in Rome, unable to plant new churches or visit those whom he was nurturing by letter. If anyone had a right to gripe, surely it was Paul. Yet His letter to the church at Philippi is filled with rejoicing (Phil. 4:8).
Problems can look so big and unwieldy that they distort our perspective, but carrying challenges straight to God provides clarity and keeps us anchored in truth. The Lord is bigger than any hardship. With His strength, we rise higher than the difficulty. God invites us to live above our circumstances by fastening our eyes on Him. The trials of this life shrink when compared to our loving, powerful Lord, who exercises His might in defense of His people.
Bible in One Year: Acts 18-20
