DAILY DEVOTIONAL – July 18, 2024 The Furtherance of the Gospel By David Wilkerson “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, NKJV). In this verse, Paul tells the Christians in Philippi not to worry about all the things that they had heard had befallen him.  Those “things” included great afflictions and infirmities.  Paul wrote this epistle while bound in a Roman prison.  At this point in his ministry, he was a seasoned warrior of the gospel, having endured every conceivable hardship and human affliction imaginable.  He experienced shipwrecks, beatings, buffetings, mocking, persecution, hunger, thirst, nakedness and defamation of character.  Everywhere Paul went, it seemed, he was met by affliction, trouble and sorrow.  Yet Paul said, “None of these things move me” (Acts 20:24).  Furthermore, he added,  “No one should be shaken by these afflictions; for you yourselves know that we are appointed to this. For, in fact, we told you before when we were with you that we would suffer tribulation, just as it happened” (1 Thessalonians 3:3-4). Paul was reassuring these believers, saying, “I’ve told you all along that if you are going to walk with Jesus, you will face afflictions.  Now that these afflictions have come upon me, why are you so surprised? This is our appointed lot in life.”  Try to get this picture in your mind: Here was a holy man called by God to take the gospel to the nations.  On every assignment, the Holy Spirit whispered to him that the next stop wouldn’t be easy.  He would face opposition and would find more afflictions and trials.  I find this man’s life absolutely amazing.  Can you imagine it? Paul faced troubles and afflictions at every turn.  At this point, you may be saying, “Wait a minute, you’re talking about Paul’s life, not mine.  God appointed him to suffer afflictions. I haven’t been called to such a life.”  Wrong! The Bible says: “Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all” (Psalm 34:19). The phrase “many are the afflictions” applies not just to Paul but to us as well.  We love to hear the last part of that verse, but do we rejoice in the first part?  Like Paul, let’s be glad when faced with a trial or affliction when the end goal is furthering the gospel of Jesus Christ.  Read and Listen OnlineForward to a Friend

Your Gift Makes a Difference Give a gift today, impact lives eternally. Your generosity is changing lives throughout the world. Give Now

Is there Any Hope for America? In times of darkness, it’s easy to forget God is always at work in mighty ways. Right now, as things seem hopeless, he is calling his people to live zealously. Read Now   Workers for the Truth (3 John 1-15) This sermon explores the themes of Christian hospitality and truth as depicted in 3rd John, contrasting the faithful Gaius with the self-centered Diotrephes. Watch Now   Taking the Gospel Further into Africa We’re coming alongside believers across Africa and supporting their dream to impact the nations with God’s love. Your gifts make all the difference in this mission! Learn More

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. © 2024 World Challenge, Inc. Transforming Lives Through the Message and Mission of Jesus Christ