Friday 7 October 2016

Restriction and Release

I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel.
Philippians 1:12 ESV

Imprisonment must have been a frustrating time for Paul. He was the most effective evangelist of his generation. Traveling from city to city and country to country, establishing churches and seeing the great outpouring of the grace of God. Then it must have seemed as if that was all cut short. He is restricted, unable to continue with his ministry in the same way.

It must have been tempting for him to feel resentment towards those who had put him there. I wonder also if he didn't ask God why, like with Peter, he didn't just send an angel and allow him to walk free.

But if Paul did feel this way he must have taken those thoughts captive, for no hint of resentment comes through in his letters. Only grace and deep concern for the churches under his care. Indeed, he seems to have received insight that rather than being a limitation, his imprisonment was actually part of God's plan to increase the effectiveness of his ministry!

It reminds me of Joseph. He was tested in the same way. A great dream and calling on his life. Yet he found himself restricted in a prison cell. How did he feel towards his brothers who had put him there? How did he feel when the cup-bearer walked free and forgot about him as he remained in prison? What was his attitude towards the restriction on his ministry? It is quite remarkable to see the depth of his maturity and insight:

And God sent me before you to preserve for you a remnant on earth, and to keep alive for you many survivors. So it was not you who sent me here, but God.
As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today.
Genesis 45:7-8,50:20 ESV

These examples are a good challenge whenever we feel a restriction in our own ministry. Don't allow yourself to become bitter towards those who seem to be the source or the instigators of your restriction. Don't allow room in your heart for jealousy towards those who seem to enjoy favour and have no such restriction. Rather discern that it is God not man who is in control of your destiny and your ministry. Even if men intended it for harm, God will work it for good.

In every restriction there is a greater opportunity. Embrace it and be fruitful!

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