We continue our look in Philippians 1 where Paul was thrown into prison for preaching the Gospel. Dealing this week with circumstances that come into our lives.

Philippians 1:13 - "...so that my imprisonment in the cause of Christ has become well known throughout the whole praetorian (governor's palace) guard and to everyone else."

You have heard that bad news always travels faster than good news. That was the case here. Paul being thrown into prison had made its way from every household to even the governor's palace. People were hearing about Paul and him being thrown into jail. They were talking about Paul during breaks at work. Families were discussing his plight at the dinner table.

You might ask, "Wasn't that embarrassing?", "Was it bothering Paul that all these people were talking about him?" When you view circumstances the way Paul viewed them he saw it as an even greater opportunity to share the gospel. Because if someone is talking about Paul being thrown into prison someone down the line would have to ask, "Why was he thrown in jail?" The answer will have to be stated for "preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ".

Boom! There you go. Paul was being a witness without even opening his mouth. He was allowing his circumstances to be the witness for him. He knew he was in the right. He knew he had done nothing wrong. But Paul allowed his circumstances to take place, he just rolled with the punches, knowing that God was going to get the glory out of it.

Things may happen at work that just doesn't seem fair. People may do and say things to you that brings on a bad week. But just relax and allow God to use this circumstance to His benefit. Allow your sweet attitude and reaction to the situation to simply show people to the Cross of Christ. I didn't say it would be easy... Paul knew that as well while sitting in a jail cell being treated as a prisoner.

Prayer: "Lord, we go through things that are just not fair when we proclaim to be followers of Your Son Jesus. Use every circumstance we encounter to be a witness of your saving power."