As I mentioned yesterday, the Apostle Paul wrote the book of Philippians from prison, yet the book echoes with joy from beginning to end. What made the difference in how he looked at life? Read Philippians 1:12-14 to find out. (As always you can click on the Bible passage and read the verses online.)

Paul realized that the very chains that held him captive in prison provided him with multiple opportunities to share the message of salvation to those around him. Furthermore, the people who Paul had preached to earlier on his missionary journeys knew that Paul was in prison. They knew that Paul would never give up preaching because his faith in God was greater than his fear of what man might do to him. Paul rejoiced to know that even his chains were helping him to spread the Gospel.

Perhaps you know of a person who often faces opposition or persecution, yet they keep their courage and joyfully continue to praise God. Does their faith help you to be strong? If so, please share his courage with the rest of us in a comment below.

Father God, help us to have the kind of faith that will help us stand for you even if we are persecuted for believing in you. May our strength that comes from you encourage others to believe in you.