J.A. Matteson
Has it occurred to you that your circumstance is ordained by God in order that you might bear witness to the gospel?
"...knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel" (Phil. 1:16). We go along our way day to day with grandiose ideas of how we will glorify God. The LORD will have none of that; rather, He raises up refining stones to buffet our sense of order, challenging our misguided delusion of personal sovereignty. Know this: within every high and low the LORD is in the midst. Amongst every travail and victory He is there. As the LORD sets in motion the heavenly bodies, guiding their paths according to the good pleasure of His will, does He not in like manner guide you daily course by His hand of providence? Indeed, He does, and for His glory and your sanctification. In all things, pleasant and distressful, know that He has appointed you for each occasion for the defense of the gospel. Let the fruit of His spirit burst forth from your mouth in praise as His grace gives you utterance.
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