Above Your Circumstances

Back in the day, I had a generous benefactor who donated office space to our fledgling youth ministry. Rafael Cruz would often greet me by asking, "How are you doing, Zeke?' One day I answered,  "Pretty good, under the circumstances."  To that he replied,  "What are you doing under there?"  We both had a good laugh, and he made a good point.  Rafael was an on- fire Christian. At that time he was a geological physicist.  Now he's a prominent pastor and speaker.  He was right to ask what was I doing under there.  Christians should be able to live ABOVE the circumstances NOT UNDER THEM.

 

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 the cause of 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. (NASB95, Php 1:12–14.)

 

Paul was a fabulous example for us for living above circumstances.  In his letter to the Philippians, he reminds them that although imprisoned for his bold witness, he saw this as a blessing.  As he looked at his circumstances he realized that great progress was being made for the gospel.  The praetorian guards assigned to watch over him were hearing the gospel daily, and responding. He also noticed that his imprisonment was engendering greater boldness among Christians everywhere.  They were "speaking the word of God without fear".

 

1. Take time to "count your blessings".  There is a simple song I love.  The chorus goes like this:

[Chorus]
Count your blessings;
Name them one by one.
Count your blessings;
See what God hath done.
Count your blessings;
Name them one by one.
Count your many blessings;
See what God hath done.

 

When we are loaded by the cares of life it's easy to get down.  With some mental discipline we can take time to meditate and "see what God has done".  Paul was able to look beyond the his situation and see the hand of God at work.

 

2. Accept the everyday troubles.  We live in a fallen world.  We can expect aches and pains, disappointment and failure.  Why fixate on these trivial inconveniences?  Jesus said,

     

“These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.” (NASB95,  Jn 16:33.)

 

Trials and tribulation can be quite severe.  Nonetheless Christ has provided a way to remain peaceful even in the roughest times.  When we look at things from God's perspective we are able to see the blessings.  Paul could see the guards coming to Christ even as he suffered as a prisoner.  We can see God at work in the midst of a global pandemic.  Take time today to count your blessings