There is Treasure in Your Trial. Notes from video blog. Check out my special message to you on video and then check out the notes below.
The Ephesians must have asked Paul “how are you, and how are you doing
“And [pray] also for me, that [freedom of] utterance may be given me, that I may open my mouth to proclaim boldly the mystery of the good news (the Gospel), For which I am an ambassador in a coupling chain [in prison. Pray] that I may declare it boldly and courageously, as I ought to do. 21Now that you may know how I am and what I am doing, Tychicus, the beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord [and His service], will tell you everything. Ephesians 6:19-21(AMP).
The Ephesians must have asked Paul “how are you, and how are you doing.” His answer is a treasure map. Here is a formula for success in a brutal environment.
1. What you are is infinitely more important than how you are. “I am an AMBASSADOR in chains.” I have the unspeakable honor of being the official representative of a Kingdom. I am a royal, political and military prisoner.” It is not ease and comfort that make life bearable and it is not trials and tribulations that make life unbearable. My identity in Christ is more real than anything else.
2. What you are doing is infinitely more important than how you are doing. You have a daily defining moment. Every day, you must impose your mission on your circumstances. The life that knows it is here on purpose, and for a destiny is unstoppable.
3. Find your voice. “And [pray] also for me, that [freedom of] utterance may be given me.” He did not ask for freedom from jail but for freedom and boldness to open his mouth in jail. You may wish you were free, but God has placed you there for miracles.
4. The eternal weight of glory: I am convinced that Paul’s jail time inspired the following verses: 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 “Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. 17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, 18 while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.”
When Paul said, “For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory”, He had no idea how right he was! No doubt Satan was elated to see Paul neutralized in jail. However, elation turned to horror. Paul would start writing. More than half of the New Testament came from Paul’s pen and how can you calculate the wreckage to Lucifer from those writings? Lift up holy hands and begin to rejoice right where you are. There is treasure in your trial!
I am writing to say Thank You. I saw you in Seattle 20 yrs ago & it was when God let me know that I am His. I was a victim of child abuse, homeless teen, quit drugs at16, wrapped around a telephone pole at 17, lost my firstborn daughter at 18 & had left my first husband at 19 due to dv. The new guy I was with started to lose control of the wheel like what happened the first time! God was trying to tell me something I figured. I submitted my life to the Lord that day when I heard you preach. In my current situation, I need to know that there is treasure. I have a readiness hearing on Jan 14 and trial on Jan 24 for dv assault 4; a crime I did not commit. I am praying the case is dropped & charges dismissed. He admitted to acting fullishly.This was a dv relationship. am in abuse recovery and am asking God to heal this in me. Please be in prayer for me. I dont want this to destroy the dream God gave me working w/ homeless families & children. I am learning to trust in God for ALL things.
Excited about your video Thanks for all you and your ministry is doing
Good word brother Mario we so enjoyed this word; Joel & Deborah Burrow
Joel and Deborah, thanks for the encouragement!
-Mario
I am now the guardian of a 12 year old.