#1 Thief -Circumstances. (Chapter 1)

#1 THIEF -CIRCUMSTANCES. (CHAPTER 1) Jan. 26, 2020

Philippians 1:12-But I want you to know, brethren, that the things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel,

13-so that it has become evident to the whole palace guard, and to all the rest, that my chains are in Christ;

14-and most of the brethren in the Lord, having become confident by my chains, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.

The Apostle Paul points out the thieves, which would rob us of our joy, and then he shows the attitudes or mind-set we must have in order to slay these "thieves."

If you could sum up chapter 1 of Philippians, it would be that Paul talked about the circumstances that has happened to him.

Nick Vujicic was born without arms or legs, yet he travels around the world, enjoys fishing, plays golf, and even surfs. “I love living life,” he says. “And I’m happy.”

But he hasn’t always felt that way. When he was around eight years old, the teasing he endured from classmates caused him to feel broken, bitter, hopeless…so much so that he wanted to end his life, since he felt there was no point in living any longer.

But by age 13, his attitude had changed. His mother had made sure he met other disabled people, some with greater handicaps than his, which helped him realize he wasn’t the only one coping with challenges.

At first, Nick didn’t understand Jeremiah 29:11, which says, “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” But he began to realize he didn’t have to understand it for it to be true. “Just because you don’t see the plans God has for you,” Nick says, “doesn’t mean He doesn’t have any.” So, he gave up his anger and bitterness and began giving thanks for the blessings he did have.

Nick, now an adult, testifies to audiences around the world: “God has given me grace, strength, and comfort through my disability. You can have peace and joy in your life, even in circumstances that don’t make sense or turn your world upside down.”

His testimony has helped an estimated 140,000 people come to faith in Christ. Although some evangelists tell folks that believing in God will cause all their problems to disappear, Nick says, “God is more interested in changing your heart than your circumstances.”

When a person is asked, "How are you doing?" Some might respond, "Under the circumstances, I am doing okay". But it is our desire and our goal to live "above the circumstances".

We don't want to let our circumstances become an excuse to accept feelings of depression to be normal, or to settle into a lifestyle of less than God intended for us to have.

We are committed to keeping our focus on God and not circumstances.

Myrtie Howell was a devoted Christian woman who lived a hard life. Her family was very poor. When she was 10, she quit school and went to work in a steel mill for 10 cents a day. She married at age 17. But in early 1940, her husband was killed in an accident. And when that happened, she lost her home. And she had to go back to work to support herself and her three kids. Years later, her declining health forced her to move into an old, high rise nursing home. A few weeks later, her youngest son died. Then she fell into a depression.

She said, "Lord, what more can I do for you? I've lost everything that ever meant something to me. And now I'm stuck in this dark, dreary room. I have nothing left to live for! I want to die! I've had enough of this prison. Take me home." But then God spoke to her as clear as possible. He said, "I'm not through with you yet, Myrtie. Write to prisoners."

So she wrote a letter and sent it to the Atlanta Penitentiary. And this is what the letter said: "Dear inmate. I am a grandmother who loves and cares for you. I am willing to be a friend. If you'd like to hear from me, write me. I will answer every letter you write. A Christian friend, Grandmother Howell."

The letter was given to the prison chaplain. And he gave her the names of eight prisoners she could write to. Prison Fellowship gave her some more names. Soon, she was corresponding with up to 40 inmates a day. She became a one woman ministry reaching into prisons all over America.

She said, "I thought my life was over. But these past few years have been the most fulfilling years of my life! I thank Prison Fellowship! And most of all, I thank Jesus!" Myrtie Howell became a great missionary for God. Out of a one room apartment.