Some of the best advice I have ever received came from an inmate. I don’t know about you, but I have known some people to go into prison a hell raise and come out a priest, a preacher, the Dalai Lama, monks. Although I have never spent any time behind bars, I know there have been times, and there are times where I feel like a prisoner. A prisoner of circumstance. On these occasions, I turn to the writings of my favorite inmate Paul.
He tells me stuff like;
Romans 8:31......... "If God be for us, who can be against us?
Colossians 3:2............ "Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.
Colossians 3:23.......... "Whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men,...
Romans 8:18............ "...consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us."
Romans 8:37............ "Yet in all these things, we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us."
Philippians 4:13................"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."
Ironically Paul wrote many of his letters from prison, producing the majority of the New Testament in less than ideal conditions. He allowed his ministry and his growth to prosper in spite of where he was.
Hopefully, the next time I find myself feeling imprisoned by circumstances and the things I have to do now, to pave the way for the things I want to do now, I’m going to take some cues from Paul and make sure my prison produces something that’ll prayerfully bless someone else as Paul has blessed me.
Waiting for parole,
SLC
