Arsenal of the King
by Chaplain Johnson
God Works in the Unseen Realm in Your Life; Partner With God
Today we are focusing on Philippians 1:12–18, where the Apostle Paul is in jail in Rome. Almighty God worked His plan through Paul’s circumstances, and Paul’s attitude of joy in prison became a testimony for God. Praising God in the trial brought Paul joy, and it brought triumphant glory to God. Paul’s submissive spirit, choosing to “count it all joy,” allowed God to accomplish His purposes even while he was chained.
The omnipresent God, who is everywhere, can and will use you. The omniscient God, who knows all things, can use the fiery trials in our lives to bring forth His will.
THE UNSEEN GOD WORKS IN OUR LIVES FOR GOOD
God is eternal. He is the God of yesterday, today, and tomorrow. Yesterday, He used Paul. Today, He wants to use you.
“God works all things together for good to those who love Him, to those who are called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28)
Daniel obeyed God and was thrown into the lion’s den, yet he was not eaten, and God was glorified. (Daniel 6)
God is Spirit and works in ways we do not always understand. Believe in His past faithfulness to His people, and know He will be faithful to work in you.
THE UNSEEN GOD WILL EMBOLDEN YOU TO ACCOMPLISH HIS WILL
Second Timothy 1:7 reminds us that God has not given us the spirit of fear. In the Old Testament we find:
“And the angel of the LORD appeared unto him, and said unto him, The LORD is with thee, thou mighty man of valour.” (Judges 6:12)
Gideon was a man full of fear, who, along with his father, stole away to thresh their grain in secret because they were afraid. The Midianites came in great numbers, robbed Israel, and stole their food. Yet God used Gideon, even in fear, to strike down Israel’s oppressors. (Judges 6)
God used a fearful Gideon to fulfill His purpose, and He can use you too. Take heart. God is immutable. He does not change.
God can use anyone, including you. The unseen God is everywhere, will provide what you need, and wants to perform His will in you.
“And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work.” (2 Corinthians 9:8)
THE UNSEEN GOD IS EVERYWHERE AND IS NEVER AWAY FROM YOU
You can rest assured God knows where you are.
“Can any hide himself in secret places that I shall not see him? saith the LORD. Do not I fill heaven and earth? saith the LORD.” (Jeremiah 23:24)
Creator God always sees you. You are never out of His presence. There is no end and no beginning of God. Look at the heavens, He is there. Look to the ocean, He is there. Man has limits, but God does not.
My children live in the North, and I live in the South, and as much as I would like to be in both places, I cannot. But God can.
We cannot see God with our physical eyes because He is Spirit. God is limitless, and through faith, with the revelation of the Holy Spirit, we can receive understanding.
Ask God to reveal aspects of Himself to you through the Holy Spirit by reading His Word, because true revelation will always confirm His Word.
“Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence? If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there. If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me.” (Psalm 139:7–10)
THE UNSEEN GOD CAN USE YOUR CIRCUMSTANCES FOR HIS GLORY
Let us look at the aftermath of Philippians 1:12–18.
Christ was preached.
An epistle was written.
Paul rejoiced, and Christians were strengthened.
God used the persecution of the early church when Christians had to flee Jerusalem. The Gospel was spread, and many people converted to Christ. (Acts 5:41; Acts 8:1–4)
God will use difficult situations. God used persecution to spread the Gospel.
“As far as Phenice, and Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to none but unto the Jews only.” (Acts 11:19)
God desires to use you where you are. Boldly ask God how He wants to use your circumstances for His purposes.
THE UNSEEN GOD HAS HIS PLANS; ALIGN YOURSELF WITH GOD
“A man’s heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps.” (Proverbs 16:9)
King David longed to build a temple for God, but God told him no, and his son Solomon built it. (1 Chronicles 22:8–10)
James 4:13–15 reminds us not to presume on tomorrow, but to say, “If the Lord will…” (James 4:13–15)
God is sovereign and faithful. Submit your plans to Him and wait for His answer. Sometimes He lets you out of prison, and sometimes He blesses you in challenging times while you wait. Either way, God will never leave you alone. He loves you.
Paul was shackled in prison, yet he praised God with his attitude. Paul evangelized while imprisoned and led people in the palace to faith in Christ. Paul continued to work in jail and wrote the Epistle of Philippians. God wants to use you in your circumstances like Paul. You can succeed right where you are.
You may walk through the valley of the shadow and face trouble that feels never-ending, but God is right there to strengthen you.
REFLECTION
What circumstance are you facing right now that feels like a prison?
Where is God asking you to align your attitude with His?
What fear is God calling you to exchange for boldness?
How might God be using your trial to advance the Gospel through you?
Lord Jesus, I submit my circumstances to You today. Help me to trust You in what I cannot see, and give me boldness to obey You where I am. Use my life for Your glory, and teach me to praise You even in the trial. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Remember, the Apostle Paul’s chains did not stop God’s plan, they advanced it. Step out in faith. Partner with God. Then wait to see what God will do in your circumstances.
May God bless you abundantly. Remember you are never alone.
Chaplain Cassia
Subscribe / Follow: If this message encouraged you, follow Arsenal of the King for more devotionals rooted in God’s Word. Share this with someone who needs hope today.
Image Credit: Arsenal of the King | Chaplain Johnson
Arsenal Of The King 