What would you write from jail?

I have always loved to read Philippians 4:8, encouraging me to think on “...whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things (NIV).” When I am in a particularly difficult situation or am facing an arduous task, I think of an inspirational poster that I love which quotes Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ, which strengthens me.” Good stuff in this chapter and in this book, but did you know that Paul wrote it from a prison cell? He was living in very undesirable and uncomfortable circumstances. He was alone for much of the time. I am pretty sure that as he sat and wrote the letter to the church at Philippi in Macedonia that he didn't know he was writing sacred text.

Sometimes we think everything in our life needs to be going well - just right, and we need to be walking perfectly with Christ in order to do God's work. But, considering Paul and the other apostles, it would seem that God wants us right where we are, even when we are not in a perfect, beautiful place. Another of Paul's writings in 1 Corinthians 12:9 reminds me that His grace is sufficient for me, and His power perfected in my weakness! Such a relief, and such a blessing.