I know what I would like. I would like to be independently wealthy, doing what I want when I want, in control of my destiny. Living where I want with little or no obligations and responsibilities tying me down that my money couldn’t fix. Sure, I would use my resources and power for good because there is a lot of things in this world that I’m sure I could “fix.” People would love and admire me. Accolades would be thrown my way and I could golf whenever and wherever I want. HA! HA! HAAAAAA! I could be the king of the world! Isn’t that what it’s all about?
I know that vision for my life must be related to what got Satan started down the road to trouble. Aren’t I asking to be God? Aren’t I really saying I want God’s sovereignty and will for my life to take a back seat to my pleasure and enjoyment? Shouldn’t I be more like Paul – concerned with what God wants from my life?
Now I want you to know, brethren, that my circumstances have turned out for the greater progress of the gospel, so that my imprisonment in Christ has become well known throughout the whole praetorian guard and to everyone else, and that most of the brethren, trusting in the Lord because of my imprisonment, have far more courage to speak the word of God without fear. Philippians 1:12-14
I have more wealth and freedom than 99.9% of the world and I grumble that it isn’t enough and I want it easier. Paul is in prison, has few possesions working as an itinerant tentmaker and he is rejoicing. The situation Paul finds himself in (prison) has become an occasion for people to be moved to boldness in their proclaiming Christ. If you keep reading you’ll see that some were doing it out of pure motives (in the Spirit) and some were doing it from envy and strife. Either way Paul rejoiced that Christ was being proclaimed.
God, help me to will to do and to do what you would have for me. Not what I want for myself. I don’t trust my desires – I choose to trust you. I ask for a quiet clarity and understanding of what your will is for my life so that my fleshly desires decrease and your desires for me increase. Help me to remember to choose wisely and follow you as I go about my day. Use my life as you used Paul’s – as an occasion for Christ to be proclaimed.
Song on my mind: Bring the Rain by Mercy Me – great song by a great group.
Bring me joy, bring me peace
Bring the chance to be free
Bring me anything that brings
You glory And I know there’ll
be days When this life brings me pain
But if that’s what it takes to
praise You Jesus, bring the rain
