I really identified with Paul’s message to the Philippians in Philippians in 1:12-14.  He was in jail because of his faith in Christ and his desire to tell others about Jesus. God had prepared him for this journey to Rome through years of persecution where Christ faithfully walked beside him, blessed him and gave him fellow co-workers to share in his struggles.  I see all of us as being imprisoned, too,  during this time of Covid-19 throughout the world.   God has prepared us for just such a time and given us resources to continue His work in the world.  Here are Paul’s words:  “I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel, ¹³ so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to all the rest that my imprisonment is for Christ. ¹⁴ And most of the brothers, having become confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.”    Paul knew God was able to use any and all situations- even his being imprisoned, to further the gospel.  Paul was fearless in telling other about Jesus and his imprisonment had even increased his boldness.

How has Covid-19 affected your witness?   Are you more bold like Paul?  Do you readily tell others about Jesus in emails, in Zoom meetings, on the phone, etc?  Paul was amazed by what God could do with him during his isolation.  What about you?  How has God amazed you?  Has He given you people to contact you haven’t seen in a long time, friends you did not seem to have time to connect with because of your busy schedule that you can take time now to reach out to?

Seeking to live with joy during this time-

• I feel joy when I see God working in this difficult time in my life and the lives of fellow believers.
• I feel joy to see that I am being used by God right where I am.  Praise God!

May you look for joy today and see it right where you are!

Linda