PRODUCTIVITY IN ADVERSITY

THE DAILY FOUNTAIN DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE OF THE CHURCH OF NIGERIA (ANGLICAN COMMUNION)

DATE: FRIDAY, 25TH NOVEMBER, 2022 

TOPIC: PRODUCTIVITY IN ADVERSITY

TEXT: PHILEMON 1:8-16

8 Wherefore, though I might be much bold in Christ to enjoin thee that which is convenient,

9 Yet for love's sake I rather beseech thee, being such an one as Paul the aged, and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ.

10 I beseech thee for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds:

11 Which in time past was to thee unprofitable, but now profitable to thee and to me:

12 Whom I have sent again: thou therefore receive him, that is, mine own bowels:

13 Whom I would have retained with me, that in thy stead he might have ministered unto me in the bonds of the gospel:

14 But without thy mind would I do nothing; that thy benefit should not be as it were of necessity, but willingly.

15 For perhaps he therefore departed for a season, that thou shouldest receive him for ever;

16 Not now as a servant, but above a servant, a brother beloved, specially to me, but how much more unto thee, both in the flesh, and in the Lord?

 

MESSAGE: 

As Christians, the Lord did not promise us a troubled-free life. We are told that adversities are part of life’s package. Apostle Paul was one man who had a fair share of adversity, but his attitude was quite inspiring and exemplary. In verse one, Paul introduced himself as a PRISONER, not of the Roman authority, but of Christ. He further implied in verse 8 that he was Christ’ Representative (Ambassador) to the prison community. It was a positive and bright perspective for productivity. He did not despair, nor feel dejected, helpless or hopeless in his situation. He did not recline to self-pity. But he recognised that Christ was with him. He took every opportunity he had to make the best for his Master. He saw the other prisoners and officials as his audience and continued his evangelistic mission which eventually paid off –”my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten while in my chains” (v.10). Let us remember that adversity can become an advantage for our advancement if faced with the right attitude.

PRAYER: 

Lord, in every circumstance of life, give me the right attitude for maximum benefit.