Always blessed when the Lord speaks through his people…Here is a note from one of our student friends, Julia…
Suffering for one’s faith seems to be such a noble privilege when spoken of in the Sanctuary, but when the rubber hits the road, the energy and excitement tend to wax and wane with moods, atmospheres, and the level of commitment it requires. Yes, there is still the blood rushing through the veins as the heart searches for what to say, and the brain contends with the human will to put the thought into spoken words, but there is still always that nag in the back of the head, “That’s not the verse you want. If you say that, they’ll never look at you the same. They might think you’re a goody-two-shoes if you say that.”

In Philippians 1, we find Paul encouraging the church to stand fast, to grow in love toward knowledge, being able to discern truth, and walk sincerely, “Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.” (vs. 11) Paul then goes on to explain that the situation he is in, is really for the furtherance of the gospel. “Ok, cool, what happened to Paul?” I start to wonder. He then goes on to say something like: actually, it’s such a great witness- everyone in the palace knows of “my bonds in Christ” and other believers are stirred to boldness by my situation. “Wait a second, isn’t Paul in prison? Isn’t that a direct result of everyone in the castle knowing he’s a CHRISTIAN?! This can’t be what he’s speaking of…or can it?” gasp. He’s praising God and declaring the greatness of the situation he’s in because of its furtherance of the gospel! “According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so not also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life or by death.” (vs. 20) There ya have it, not only will Paul suffer, but he’ll die altogether; so while I struggle over my words, Paul’s singing praises for the very thing that is causing his suffering.

“Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel.” Philippians 1:27

God, give us the burning desire to see thing with evangelistic eyes “toward the furtherance of the gospel.”