Your situation cannot compromise your service to King Jesus. We are so tempted, especially because of the victim culture mentality of our age, just to toss excuses out. “I could be really faithful if…” “But you don’t know my struggles…” “I would, but my unique circumstances don’t allow me…” The list goes on and on, as we have a never-ending surplus of reasons we are not living holy lives to the glory of God. 

Paul reminds us that none of that should limit our devotion, dedication, or direction. You can serve God. It doesn’t matter who you are, it doesn’t matter where you are, and it doesn’t matter what awful thing is happening in your life at the present. The redemptive work of Jesus Christ always compelled Paul to do more, say more, serve more, and sacrifice more. He was propelled into deeper work and new heights of faithfulness because he always turned his gaze back to the cross. 

In Ephesians, Paul draws our attention to things that happened before time began (esp. Eph. 1:1-14). God had orchestrated this entire process through which mankind would be redeemed and brought back into harmony with Him. While Paul was limited by his Roman imprisonment, he could take comfort in the God who could, and did, do such things. Paul’s God was bigger than a prison sentence. 

Such a reality could serve as the basis for Paul’s joyful contentment. He advocated for the Philippian brethren to find solace in the same truth. He could find joy and contentment despite his earthly circumstances, and even despite the outcome. Paul took it one step further, not simply that he could be comforted in the darkness of his situation, but that if he was given the choice he, in many ways, would prefer to be with the Lord now (see Phil. 1:19-26). 

We see these same truths expressed in Colossians, and to a lesser degree, Philemon. Paul would serve God no matter what he was facing. He could do so, because he was redeemed from his life of sin, and was awaiting the final outcome of his faith. 

Application: You must serve God no matter what is happening in your life.