Purpose 2

The second way Paul found joyful purpose in his terrible situation was that it provided a unique platform from which to communicate the gospel.

The guards shackled to Paul each day witnessed how the gospel works itself out in the life of a believer in prison. No tract or memorized gospel outline could do this.

What unique platform does your current circumstance provide to communicate the gospel?

Could it be that your unemployment has purpose, because those around you need to see how the gospel works itself out in the life of a believer in financial distress.

What is your reaction to your current situation communicating about the gospel? That's it's true and precious? Or that it really doesn't offer any hope or peace or comfort or joy?

And I don't only mean bad situations. Those in our community need to see how the gospel works itself out in all of life.

In restaurants, Christians should tip in such a way that the recipients have to ask, why would they be so generous? because that's how God has dealt with us.

At work, Christians should work in such a way that coworkers have to ask, why would they serve so willingly? because that's how Jesus has served us.

At the mall, Christians should shop in such a way that people have to ask, why do they put so little value on material possessions? because our treasure lies in heaven with God, not in clothes and entertainment.

What is your lifestyle communicating about the gospel to those around you? 1 Peter 3:15 says Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. Are you living in such a way that people wonder about the hope you have?

You can find joy by aligning your purpose with God's purpose for you (to advance the gospel) in every situation. Then each hair cut, each phone conversation, each elevator ride, each work crisis, each health issue, each family gathering (you get the idea) comes alive with joyful purpose.