Everyone likes a feeling of accomplishment. We all like the feeling of making headway, fulfilling our purpose.
On the opposite side of that, we all get angry when things do not go right. Sometimes we feel that no matter what step we take, there is a stumbling block thrown in our way.
Are we doomed to flounder when someone stops us in our tracks? Are we stuck on the sidelines when even Christians downplay our best efforts? Are we failures when the enemy “obviously” has destroyed the plans we know God has for us?
Paul certainly had roadblocks. He was confident that he was going to preach in Rome, the world’s most influential city of his day, but when writing to the Philippians, he sat in prison.
Philippians 1:12 Now I want you to know, brethren, that my circumstances have turned out for the greater progress of the gospel,
There is a big story in the phrase, “my circumstances” and it is reported in Acts 21-28; almost killed by a mob, arrested as an Egyptian rebel, whisked out of Jerusalem because men committed to an oath to murder him, shipwrecked, marooned, now in a Roman prison. He wanted to preach in Rome not be imprisoned in it!
V.13 so that my imprisonment in the cause of Christ has become well known throughout the whole praetorian guard and to everyone else,
Paul had hopes of preaching in the streets. God’s plan was for Paul to preach in the palace!
V14 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.
Paul’s trial gave courage to the believers.
V15 Some, to be sure, are preaching Christ even from envy and strife, but some also from good will; 16 the latter do it out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel; V17 the former proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition rather than from pure motives, thinking to cause me distress in my imprisonment. 18 What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed; and in this I rejoice. Yes, and I will rejoice.
Paul was on trial to determine if “Christians” are a threat to Rome or an inconsequential sect. Paul’s opponents were trying to make Christianity look like an aggressive political threat. Paul disregarded his future trial and was encouraged that no matter the motive, Jesus was being proclaimed.
From an outsiders’ perspective, Paul was a train wreck. But Paul chose to (V13) focus on the Gospel being preached in the palace, (V14) the believers emboldened, and (V18) even his enemies preaching Christ! How could he see past his suffering and see God’s anointing on others?
V21 For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. (NASB)
His focus was on Christ alone and not his personal situation!
When you feel like you are thwarted no matter where you turn, you are not turning far enough! Your view is not complete. I am convinced that if we set aside our anger, frustration, and short temper, we will begin to see the work of God all around us! Bad attitudes block our view of the real moving of His Holy Spirit!
Blessings.