ADs March Devotional

 

“But it doesn’t matter.”

      A disgruntle teenager chaffing at authority hears the frustrated threat of her mother, “Clean up your room or you’ll be grounded for life.”  She moans in resignation, “Yeah, whatever!”   In an act of defiance strangely mingled with compliance, she is saying, “I hear you but it really doesn’t matter.”  Acquiescence to a fate not of our choosing is the normal sense of “it doesn’t matter” which is a destructive and hopeless fatalism.   Unwanted circumstances plus the inability to determine one’s destiny equal resignation and fatalism.

     But when Paul, the man of God, uses those words, the victim becomes the victor.   He’s in prison.   Some insecure colleagues jealous of his ministry seize upon his misfortune to “preach about Christ for selfish and wrong reasons, wanting to make trouble for (him) in prison.”  (Phil. 1:16 NCV)  Paul’s reaction?  “It doesn’t matter.”   He knows God is in control.  Paul is confident that whether it’s for the right or wrong reason, people are still hearing about Christ and in that he rejoices.   His resolve is strengthened.

     He exclaims, “So I am happy…. I expect ... that I will not fail Christ in anything but that I will have the courage … to show the greatness of Christ in my life…” (Phil. 1:18-20 NCV portions)   Unwanted circumstances plus trust in the Greatness of God to work despite the circumstances equals rejoicing and greater commitment.  

     Your circumstances don’t determine your destiny.   God does and He is at work in your life!   “We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him.”  (Romans 8:28 NIV)  Live on the victory side of your circumstances!