“And most of the brethren in the LORD, having become confident by my chains, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.” ~ Philippians 1:14
REFERENCE:
A chain reaction is a series of events, where each is caused by the previous one. In lay terms, it is when something happens as a result of something, which in turn makes something happen. In our last devotional, Paul was in prison in Rome, and we saw how he made it count for God.
Paul chose his reaction to his chains. He decided not to sulk or be bitter but rather to be positive. Paul chose to preach Christ and generally maintain a positive outlook until it became clear to the guards that his chains were for his faith in Christ. It was a low moment in Paul’s life; in his younger days, he traveled to preach amidst dangers, persecuted, despised, hated, and reviled. Now old and chained in jail, one would expect him to ‘curse God and die’ or accuse Him of being unmindful of his service to Him. Instead, he made it count for God and His kingdom. He preached Christ to the guards and wrote letters to edify three churches. It was while in jail he wrote, “Rejoice in the Lord always. Again, I will say, rejoice!” Can you beat that?
When the saints heard that Paul, whom they felt sad for, was joyful in his jail, there was a chain reaction; their attitude changed. The saints became confident and bold in preaching the gospel. Paul’s attitude created a chain reaction of preachers who would birth other preachers. We often forget that some people are connected to us and watch how we react to our ‘chains.’ The right reaction can embolden them to forge ahead and face life’s challenges with courage and boldness. Job preached his greatest sermon by enduring his ‘chains’: he neither sinned nor cursed God. Today, his life has furnished people going through challenges with strength.
Paul and Silas sang in their dark cell, and “The prisoners were listening.” Trust and praise God in spite of your chains. Continue to attend church and serve, do your devotions, be cheerful and generous, demonstrate God’s love to someone, and be kind. You will create a chain reaction in your staff, teaching them how to handle low moments in business. You will be teaching your sons not to quit when the going gets tough, your daughters to love God through times of loneliness, young believers to love God in and out of season, etc. We will raise a stronger next generation by the way we respond to our chains. People are watching; start a chain reaction of pleasing God and fulfilling purpose through your pain.
PHOTO QUOTE
ADDITIONAL TEXTS:
Acts 16:25, Philippians 4:4, and II Timothy 2:2
PRAYERS:
+ Lord, I understand that sometimes, life will have downturns. Give me the grace to go through those periods with faith in you, joy in my heart, and an assurance that I will come out.
+ May I model strength and faith in adversity to those I lead: my spouse, siblings, children, and unbelievers around me.
+ Lord, please start a chain reaction with me to make your name known and praised globally.
11 Comments
Ene Sefia
October 10, 2022, at 5:00 amLord help me to have faith in Your faithfulness like Sarah, judging You faithful ALWAYS knowing You are good and will do me good forever. Teach me to praise You at ALL times 🙏🏽
Wale Afelumo
October 10, 2022, at 9:30 amAmen!
Sam Achema
October 10, 2022, at 6:28 am“May I model faith and strength to those within my sphere of influence”
Amen 🙏🏼
Perhaps, we are less confidence these days because we see or know fewer testimonies of men in chains for the gospel still serving joyfully & faithfully.
Wale Afelumo
October 10, 2022, at 9:33 amHmmm! Deep. Food for thought. But it may be because you are not close to them, what you see is them ministering, you may not know they are in chains.
Some are ministering, married for 20 years with no child.
Some are having family and marital challenges,
Some are in dire financial straits,
Some are deeply depressed and feel alone,
Many are exposed to threats to their lives, etc.
Uduak Afelumo
October 10, 2022, at 9:48 pmHmmm!!
Ojoma Ali
October 10, 2022, at 6:33 am👌 👌I was dealing with some stuff, which affected my mood during praise at yesterday’s Service. Then I saw a gentleman. Knowing that he’s dealing with the chains of a recent fire, yet completely lost in worship, sparked a needed reaction to worship this Faithful God.
Wale Afelumo
October 10, 2022, at 9:34 amWow! This captures the essence of today’s devotional.
Blessing Okpale
October 10, 2022, at 6:56 amDear God, give me the grace to model an example of unwavering faith in you and love for you to everyone at my touch point. When people hear my story, may they be inspired to love you even more🙌
Wale Afelumo
October 10, 2022, at 9:35 amAmen and amen!
Wale Afelumo
October 10, 2022, at 9:37 amMay I model courage and faith in trying times, by the grace and help of the Holy Spirit, in Jesus’ name.
Samuel Kuria
October 10, 2022, at 10:20 amMay my light shine brightest in my darkest moments, that many will see and glorify God my Father.