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InTouch Early Light Devotional Wednesday November 3, 2004 How to Handle Difficult Circumstances Philippians 1:12-20 Paul's letter to the church at Philippi was written during his Roman imprisonment. Chained continuously to a guard while awaiting trial, he wrote encouraging the Philippians not to worry over him, because he was learning some valuable lessons. "For I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am," he told them. (Philippians 4:11) Notice the verse does not say that he was always happy; happiness depends upon circumstances. Contentment, on the other hand, indicates we are so anchored in God that we can thank Him in the midst of pain. Paul was sitting in one of the worst places in the world, but he scarcely mentioned his surroundings. Instead, his focus never wavered from God. (Philippians 1:20; 3:10) Paul did not see himself as a victim. He believed himself to be under the sovereign hand of the Living Lord�in God's place at God's time for God's purpose. All around him, Paul saw the good result of his time in prison. The entire Praetorian Guard, the elite soldiers who guarded Caesar, had heard about Jesus from either Paul or another soldier, thanks to the apostle�s consistent witnessing. In addition, his imprisonment was having the opposite effect of what his enemies had planned. Instead of driving other Christians into hiding, Paul's example of contentment in the face of trying circumstances made them bolder. Like Paul, we must choose our response to pain and hardship. We can become resentful and bitter, consequently allowing a wonderful opportunity for spiritual growth to defeat us. Or we can turn to God, cry out for help, and be victorious. * * * Prayer Team Join the In Touch Ministries Impact Prayer Team and receive your free Personal Battle Planner devotional and prayer journal. http://www.intouch.org/prayerteam/index_38205069.html Free Online Study Take this free four-lesson study modeled after Dr. Stanley�s latest series, America at the Crossroads. http://www.intouch.org/myintouch/exploring/studies/AATC_39235013.html >>> Share the good news <<< Please forward this message to a friend! FREE Christian Book http://l.salemweb.net/swnoffer0203/ ____________________SUBSCRIPTION INFO_______________________ * This newsletter is never sent unsolicited. To unsubscribe from this newsletter immediately, simply click on the link below. If this link is not clickable, simply cut and paste it into the address bar of your browser. http://www.salememail.com/unsub/209/1698058.aspx * Copyright � 2004 Salem Web Network and its Content Providers. All rights reserved. 1698058 ____________________________________________________________ TRINITY COLLEGE & SEMINARY OFF CAMPUS & ONLINE Experience Personal & Ministry Growth Through Bible-Focused Degree Programs Associate and Bachelor of Arts Master of Arts, M.Div., Doctor of Arts, Doctor of Ministry http://l.salemweb.net/tcs2003tr/footer/ ____________________________________________________________ Questions or comments can be sent to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
