God Doesn’t Waste Time and Circumstances

eDevotion

Encouragement for your daily walk with God 

When Paul penned his letter to the Philippian Christ followers, it wasn’t from the presidential suite of the Waldorf Astoria in Rome. The truth is, this man, called and committed to the Gospel, was in jail, more specifically, a Roman prison. You’d think that a restriction like that would stymie his ministry. But not Paul! He had a foundational belief: He was confident that God never wasted time or circumstances. His strong conviction about that caused him to believe that every situation, good or bad, had eternal significance and purpose. 

Now for the big question: Do you believe that? Let’s be honest, it’s difficult, isn’t it. It’s especially hard to believe it when you’re living in disappointment, discouragement, loss, setbacks, failure, hurt, illness, injustice, or grief. So, say it with me, “God doesn’t waste my time or circumstances!”

Here’s my pastoral counsel for the day: Our loving God uses earthly circumstances for His eternal purposes. It doesn’t lessen the pain, don’t ever think that. The pain you feel is the moulding process God uses today to shape you into the person He needs tomorrow. 

Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel. As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. And because of my chains, most of the brothers and sisters have become confident in the Lord and dare all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear. It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. The latter do so out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains. But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice. Philippians 1.12-18