In the middle of the night, I had one of those moments of clarity, where I saw some verses I am memorizing in greater understanding .

“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.”
‭‭Philippians‬ ‭1‬:‭12‬-‭14‬ ‭NASB1995‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/100/php.1.12-14.NASB1995

What are your circumstances? How can God be moving in your bleakest and darkest moments? Paul was in jail. His ministry went from daily trips to the synagogue to the same four walls. Yet, his greatest ministry that pours into our lives today? He wrote letters. Could he have ever imagined his letters would be what scholars and children alike study, memorize, read? That was God’s movement.

Your faithfulness in this. whatever this is for you. For my friend who let me know that she was entering hospice. Now, that is a severe example, but she knows that her story is changing lives, even in her death. She is giving people in her life complete access to these last days, to those who do not know the name of Christ or His cause. Her faithfulness has become well known throughout her little world and beyond. Her friends tell their friends, I tell you. Those that DO trust in the Lord, their faith is set a flame. They have far more courage in their lives because they see hers.

As I sat in her little room, plastered with the word of God, fairy lights, stuffed animals and medical equipment, I knew God was right there. His Spirit spoke through her to me. I watched and I listened. I wanted to learn.

“Some, to be sure, are preaching Christ even from envy and strife, but some also from good will; the latter do it out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel; the former proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition rather than from pure motives, thinking to cause me distress in my imprisonment.”
‭‭Philippians‬ ‭1‬:‭15‬-‭17‬ ‭NASB1995‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/100/php.1.15-17.NASB1995

In our world we are quick to notice those who are preaching a gospel foreign to the words of Christ. If you could see me right now, my whole body shakes. My friend did not spend her time talking to me about politics, or the state of America. Our time together (yesterday) was spent proclaiming Christ in the midst of circumstances unimaginable. She is appointed to the defense of the gospel.

So are you. And so am I.

Lifesong by Casting Crowns

Lord, I give my life 
A living sacrifice 
To reach a world in need 
To be Your hands and feet

So, may the words I say 
And the things I do 
Make my lifesong sing 
Bring a smile to You

This isn’t Hollywood. This is real life. I don’t ride off into the sunset. I get flat tires. My windshield wipers need to be replaced. Birds poo on my car. I get frustrated with other drivers. SOOOO frustrated. My friend is afraid. Pray for her.

And I pray for you. May you preach Christ and when necessary use words.