Being a light when you’re going through a trial or tribulation can be one of the hardest seasons of your life. As you struggle to overcome your own burdens, you try to stay positive for the sake of onlookers and the glory of God. That amount of pressure can lead you down a path you don’t want to be on. Let’s break this idea down into some digestible bites.
Because of My Chains
‘Because of my chains [seeing that I am doing well and that God is accomplishing great things], most of the brothers have renewed confidence in the Lord, and have far more courage to speak the word of God [concerning salvation] without fear [of the consequences, seeing that God can work His good in all circumstances]. ‘
Philippians 1:14 (AMP)
“Because of my chains…” Paul writes that his attitude during poor circumstances is renewing the confidence in his fellow believers. He sees that regardless of his suffering, the end-goal of spreading the gospel message is being accomplished. That goal is far more important than one man’s trouble.
This verse stood out to me and convicted me. Paul has such a deep trust in the God who saved him from his sins and turned his life around completely. He sits in prison and writes encouraging words to his brothers and sisters in Philippi, showing everyone that God can work His good in all circumstances.
In Spite of My Chains
God is your provider. No matter what you’re going through, your God – your Savior – will provide according to His will. Maybe your “chains” aren’t physical, but instead, they’re mental, emotional, or even spiritual. Your chains can be anything that holds you back from accomplishing God’s will for your life.
Use Paul as an example: not even prison was going to stop him from spreading the Good News. With God on his side, his imprisonment may have accomplished that task more quickly than without it. He didn’t let his circumstances define him, but used his circumstances as a means to accomplish a goal in another way. While he wasn’t out preaching in the streets, he was witnessing to those who were likely in even greater need of a Savior.
What is Your Darkness?
Think about what your “darkness” is. It could be financial stress, a horrible job, a nagging spouse, or even feeling distant from God. How do you react in those circumstances? Do you have unfailing trust in God, or do you try to fix your problems in your own strength?
Be honest! It can be a struggle to “let go and let God”. I’m sure I’m not alone in that. The greatest fact is that all of these problems can be solved with the same solution: Lean into God.
A verse you’re likely familiar with: ‘Trust in and rely confidently on the Lord with all your heart And do not rely on your own insight or understanding. In all your ways know and acknowledge and recognize Him, And He will make your paths straight and smooth [removing obstacles that block your way]. ‘ – Proverbs 3:5-6(AMP)
When you trust in Him, your worries (your “darkness”, your “chains”) go away. His light shines brighter than the darkness, and the darkness cannot overcome it (John 1:5). Being a light THROUGH the darkness is not only beneficial for you, but can lead those around you into a stronger relationship with God.
Let that be your motivation to choose light every time things seem dark.
For His glory.
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