I’m on a diet of tears—
tears for breakfast, tears for supper.
All day long
people knock at my door,
Pestering,
“Where is this God of yours?”
PHILIPPIANS 1:13-14 (NLT)
For everyone here, including the whole palace guard, knows that I am in chains because of Christ. And because of my imprisonment, most of the believers here have gained confidence and boldly speak God’s message without fear.
THE ESSENCE
Adversity can actually embolden believers to share the gospel with greater confidence.
DAILY FODDER
Consider the church in China. In the 20th-century, when it's existence was largely illegal and foreign missionaries were locked out, the church grew rapidly. Between 1949 and 2000 the Chinese church grew from 1 million believers to 100 million.
PRAYER
Sovereign God, even adversity can't stop you and the unfolding of your plan for the world. Forgive me for despairing when we face troubles. Help me to see the opportunity in the moment. I'm going to trust that your Holy Spirit will give me the words and confidence needed to share your good news. Amen.
THE LORD’S PRAYER (ABP)
Our Father in Heaven,
we hold your name in the highest regard.
Please come and establish your reign here on earth
so that everything that happens here will align
with what is happening in heaven.
Our Father in Heaven,
we hold your name in the highest regard.
Please come and establish your reign here on earth
so that everything that happens here will align
with what is happening in heaven.
Give us enough food for today.
Forgive us our wrongdoing,
and we’ll forgive those who have wronged us.
Shield us from the trials and temptations that come our way.
Lastly, we pray that you will protect us from all forms of evil. Amen.
and we’ll forgive those who have wronged us.
Shield us from the trials and temptations that come our way.
Lastly, we pray that you will protect us from all forms of evil. Amen.
