MORNING MANNA 7-3-25
BOUND & BLESSED
“—-my bonds in Christ–“ Philippians 1:13
It seems strange that some of the best people have the worst problems and some of the sweetest songs come from prisons, rather than a palace. As Paul wrote this marvellous letter he was wearing chains for Christ, yet he did so with great rejoicing.
It’s unlikely that you and I will ever be forced to wear chains for Christ’s sake, but if we do our duty we will, without a doubt, experience suffering of some sort. Whether we speak of it as chains we wear or a cross we bear, the point is the same. Both represent the suffering we experience as a result of doing God’s will. Jesus, remember, spoke about the difficulties of discipleship. He didn’t lie!
For some it is household cares that make up the links of the chain that binds them. Don’t kid yourself–being a faithful housewife isn’t a walk in the park. For others the chain that holds them is a low-paying, dead-end job that they must work to support their family. Could you rejoice in a situation like that? The list could go on, but you get the point. Doing what God expects can be very uncomfortable–down right painful. How do you handle it? Or, does it handle you?
Let me make a suggestion–let Paul serve as an example (Phil.3:15-17). Instead of thinking of yourself as being deprived in bondage and complaining because you can’t escape, think of situation as an opportunity to do what you otherwise wouldn’t do–given a choice. Consider your circumstances as a chance to serve Christ. That’s exactly what Paul did. He didn’t sit idly by. He attributed his presence in prison to an act of God, although wicked men put him there, and he used the occasion to preach the gospel (Phil. 1:12-13). Make a ministry of your misery. As Paul said of the God of all comfort “who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.” 2 Corinthians 1:4.
Your circumstances and your mission, to an extent, are different, but your attitude should be the same. Do all things without murmurings and disputings—joy, and rejoice with me.”(Phil. 2:14,18). Do that and you will be blessed by whatever binds you! –HDS
David Stone
Lakeway Baptist Church
5801 FM 1960 E.
Humble, TX. 77346
Sent by David Stone on Thursday, July 3 at 5:23AM
