Make It Count

Today’s scripture to consider is Philippians 1: 12:"But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel." Paul was in chains, imprisoned in Rome when he wrote those words to the believers in Philippi. He de-emphasized his circumstance, however, to assure them that God was using his adversity to further the Gospel. Cancer attempts to box us into an oppressive regulated life--therapy, tests, hospitals, and doctors. Often, we cannot see a future beyond these things. The heaviness of our chains seeks to diminish our hope over time and wear down our faith. After a while, we are tempted to give up because the fight is too hard, too painful, too full of side effects that work to rob us of the joys of normal, daily living. Nevertheless, we must make a demand upon what is the full and sufficient grace already residing within. Although not being as mobile and independent as before…despite having depleted reserves of energy and stamina--we can ask God to turn our situation into opportunities to further the Gospel WITHIN our limitations—just like Paul.