Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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Word for the Day 
February - 14 - 2014
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The Master Weaver’s Plan
Philippans.1:9-18
“Because of my chains, most of the brothers in the Lord have been encouraged to speak the word of God more courageously and fearlessly.” Philippians 1:14
Joy is the fruit of a spirit-filled life (Galatians 5) and the measure of a believer’s spiritual maturity is what it takes to rock their joy. Paul in Philippians 4 exhorts us to “Always be full of joy in the Lord” regardless of circumstances. God has a divine purpose for our trials which we will understand when we yield to His will.
Paul is a role model for us in how to handle difficulties. He was a man whose joy knew no breaking point. In fact, the greater his troubles, the louder his joyful praise. Paul used the presence of suffering in his life to demonstrate his trust in the Lord and encourage others around him. He refused to be overcome by his circumstances, no matter how difficult – whether it be sickness, pain, imprisonment or shipwreck.
The letter to the Philippians was written while he was under arrest in Rome; he was chained one after another to soldiers who were from the elite Praetorian Guard. Paul realized that God had an even greater plan for him – what looked like a disaster actually propagated the gospel all through Rome. He saw the hand of God in all situations which allowed him to rejoice even when he was in chains. He encouraged his fellow believers by facing his difficulty with joy and using every opportunity to speak of Christ and for Christ.
Thought for the Day:
 “My life is but a weaving
 Between the Lord and me;
 I may not choose the colors–
He knows what they should be”.
~
 Benjamin Malachi Franklin

Prayer: Jesus, we cannot always see the big picture, but we can still trust that our Heavenly Father knows exactly what He is doing. And while we wait for your plan to unfold, encourage  us to use every opportunity that you give us, Lord to share Christ with those around us. Help us to remember that through the good times and the bad, through laughter and through tears, God is at work in us. Strengthen us to be patient and allow you, O Master Weaver to complete your work in us. Amen.

Dr. Susan Viji, Carmel MTC, Boston

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