Timothy had gone through a lot with Paul as his friend and companion. Timothy had been with Paul on the edge of death. Timothy had been around Paul when he's been kicked out of cities. Timothy had been around Paul when there have been riots. But what happens? The gospel still moves forward. These are just new opportunities. Paul is never stopped by any of these circumstances because Jesus has his full attention. A jail isn't really a jail - it's just a new venue. The first time Paul was in Philippi, he got thrown in prison and there was an earthquake that broke him out. Then the jailer ended up hearing the gospel and got baptized. That's the frame of mind that Paul has. Paul and Timothy both know and understand that no situation is too toug and no obstacle is too big, that it can't become an opportunity when Jesus has your full attention.
No situation is limited when Jesus has your full attention, because no matter where you sit and what surrounds you, the gospel has power to break through that sitaution. The power of the gospel can work in and through you, no matter the situation, to make an incredible difference in the lives of the people around you.
Your situation is not a limitation. It's just an opportunity for God to show his riches in a new way. You are an asset to the kingdom of God, and the church isn't the same unless we have all kinds of different people in all kinds of different life phases working together to make a difference together. No matter what your situation might be, when your attention is fully on Jesus, your situation is not a limitation. It can be an opportunity for God to show up in a new way.
Reflection/Discussion Question: What situation in your life might be wanting God to use as an opportunity to spread his love and grace?
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