Living In Spite of Our Troubles

Philippians 1:12-18

Billy Graham told a story of a bedridden, elderly woman who gave $5 every month out of her Social Security check to the Billy Graham Evangelistic Ministry. When asked about giving to the Ministry, she said, “I might be in bed, but I have long arms to reach out to the Lost“.

Paul was under house arrest and chained to two guards 24/7 waiting for his trial in Rome.  Philippians was not written to complain and grumble, but is known as a book of rejoicing. The Gospel was being preached in spite of Paul’s imprisonment, and was an encouragement to other believers to get out and share/spread the Gospel.

Co-vid has done a lot of damage to the world and us personally, with sickness, loss of jobs and businesses, school closings and even death. Yet, can you name a few things COVID has benefited? You might say NO!  I have a few.

• Families stayed home, and got to know each other better. 
• The Gospel has been preached more than ever on the Internet. Almost every church has posted their sermons on line.
• While pharmaceuticals were rushing to find a vaccine for COVID, they stumbled over many possible cures for other illnesses. 

Paul says while I am here, the Gospel was being preached. In the middle of our circumstances, God’s will is being done.

Just before Jesus was crucified, He said in Luke 22:42 “Not My will, but Yours be done.” In other words, what Jesus is saying is, “I know what a difference the Cross will make.”

I find people are most impacted when they see people acting unselfishly when they themselves are struggling. Most importantly God notices it, like the lady who gave the 2 mites, which was all that she had, and Jesus saw that.

My Bible teacher would ask people how are they doing. They would say ‘OK’ under the circumstances. He would say what are you doing under there?  So, to you, what you doing under there?

RISE UP. LIVE ABOVE. STRETCH YOUR ARM, AND HELP SAVE LOST SOULS.