Tuesday, February 23, 2021

DETERMINE NOT TO WASTE OUR TOMORROWS

 

World Challenge
Daily Devotional

DAILY DEVOTIONAL – FEBRUARY 23, 2021

Wasting Our Tomorrows

By David Wilkerson (1931-2011)

As Paul faced his court trial in Rome, he was held under horrible conditions (see Philippians 1:13-14). 


He was guarded around the clock by soldiers of the Praetorian guard, his feet chained to a soldier on either side. 


These men were crude, hardened, cursing frequently. 


They’d seen it all, and to them in their line of work, every jailed man was a guilty criminal, including Paul.


Think about it: Here was a man who had been very active, loving to travel the open road and high seas to meet and fellowship with God’s people. 


Paul drew his greatest joy from visiting the churches he had established throughout that region of the world. 


But now he was chained down, literally bound to the hardest, most profane men alive.


Paul had two options in his situation. 


He could spin out into a morbid, sour mood, asking the same self-centered question over and over: 


“Why me?” He could crawl into a pit of despair, reasoning himself into a hopeless depression, completely consumed with the thought, “Here I am bound up, with my ministry shut down, while others out there enjoy a harvest of souls. Why?”


Instead, Paul chose to ask, “How is my present situation going to bring glory to Christ? 


How can great good come out of my trial?” This servant of God made up his mind: 


“Now also Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death” (Philippians 1:20).


Paul’s attitude demonstrates the only way we can be emancipated from our dark pit of unhappiness and worry. 


You see, it’s possible to waste all our tomorrows anxiously waiting to be delivered out of our suffering. 


If that becomes our focus, we’ll totally miss the miracle and joy of being emancipated in our trial.


Consider Paul’s statement: 


“But I want you to know, brethren, that the things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel” (Philippians 1:12). 


Paul is saying, “Don’t pity me or think I’m discouraged over my future. 


And please don’t say my work is finished. 


Yes, I’m in chains and suffering, but the gospel is being preached through it all.”

Read OnlineDownload PDFForward to a Friend

Your Gift Makes a Difference

Because of your generosity, people around the world are being ministered to with the hope of Jesus Christ. Will you make a gift to impact even more lives?
Give Now
Gary Wilkerson Podcast

Called to Coach Others How to Be Healthy

Eric Barber joins Gary Wilkerson to discuss how God has called him to help others with fitness, health and nutrition.

Watch Now
 
Monthly Newsletter

February Newsletter: Who Can Make That Straight?

Many Christians experience turns in their lives they don't see coming but God has a purpose through each.

Read Now
 
God's Favor Audiobook

God's Favor Audiobook

An 11 week audiobook series from Gary Wilkerson about finding favor from the Lord and what that really means.

Sign Up Now
Facebook Twitter Instagram Youtube

You are welcome to make copies for FREE distribution or retransmit the devotional via e-mail, but all devotionals must be copied or retransmitted in their entirety. However, devotionals may not be posted on any website, printed, or used in any media without written permission from World Challenge, Inc. Each request is considered on a case-by-case basis. Please contact World Challenge, Inc. using our online contact form or by calling (719) 487-7888.

© 2021 World Challenge, Inc.
Transforming Lives Through the Message and Mission of Jesus Christ

No comments:

Post a Comment