You are standing in the right spot for God to use you

I can do all this through him who gives me strength Phil 4:13 NIV

I have strength for all things in the One strengthening me. Phil 4:13 Berean Literal Bible

Paul made this statement near the end of his letter to the believers in Philippi. Paull wanted to encourage and thank the believers for their help in the past and for their renewed desire to be a part of helping “fund” his ministry.  He reflects for a moment to let them know that God had sustained him whether he had a little or a lot, whether he was hungry or had ample amount of food. 

• ·         He had learned that his circumstances did not dictate the effectiveness of God’s ministry through him.

What emotions rise within you, when you think about that statement?  How much influence do you give to negative circumstances surrounding your life regarding effective ministry?  What would you be doing differently if those situations would be removed?  Do you have to wait until they are gone to do what you know God wants?

These negative circumstances fall into two broad categories – Consequences of my actions and Things that happened to me.  How can we be empowered to overcome through the one who empowers us?

Consequences of my Actions  -

Our present status in life is found in the footprints of our past journey.  That is more clear to me as I look at the mileage of my life in the rearview mirror.  Decisions of education or lack of it, decisions on who I married, decisions on finances, decisions on vocation opportunities, and decisions on the use of time, are the culmination of who I am and what I have done.  Some decisions were the best ever – Blessed to be married to Pam.  Some decisions limit future opportunities such as educational majors.

Pau would say – bloom where you are planted.  All of your past is an opportunity to let God work right now in your life.  Paul was highly skilled religious leader.  God used all of this as we are recipients of his learning under the power of the Holy Spirit.  BUT Paul was also a participant in the first murder of a Christian.  Paul was giving the authority over the stoning of Stephen.  He had caused the suffering of many other Christians when Jesus saved him.  But Paul used this incredible reception of grace received from Jesus to let others know that they also could receive grace to be forgiven.

Bad Things that happened to me

We live in a fallen world that is dominated by sin.  Bad things happen.  People die in accidents, addictions, and wars.  Children are abused sexually, physically and emotionally with no one to help.  Families are dysfunctional and spouses abuse one another.  People steal from one another and embezzle others money. People gossip, lie, defame and sue one another.  The marks are so prevalent that everyone has their scars and stories to tell.

Joseph would say bear the outside scars but let God Teflon coat your heart with his love.  Joseph at the end of his life declared…You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. Genesis 50:20 NIV.  None of us would say that being sold into slavery was good.  Nor would we say that being falsely put in prison was the right thing that happened to Joseph.  But God used all these events to have Joseph in the place where God could save lives.

God has you in the exact spot to help Him “save lives”.  This is how Paul understood the statement about receiving strength.  No matter the outside circumstances, God was empowering Paul to save lives around him.  Don’t limit this to salvation prayers for those around you, although God may give you some of those opportunities.  God is working in the hearts and lives of everyone in your sphere of influence right now.   He has positioned you through all of the past circumstances for your to be standing, living right where you are. 

Don’t be defined by the circumstances – be defined by God’s overcoming strength.  He can perform and complete all that He desires through you to those who He is reaching toward.  Ask the Holy Spirit to strengthen you and be willing to obey.  The harvest is plentiful and the laborers are few.  But God has you standing (because of everything that has happened in your life) right in the middle of the field that needs your hands on the plow to work.

Be encouraged…with all of our “stuff”…God is still able.  Why?  Because HE IS GOD!