Opposite the Intended Effect

Have you ever done something, intending it to turn out one way only to have it turn out completely different? This happens often to me with Pinterest projects and holiday baking. You see a picture of what you would like to create and the end result looks nothing like it.

This happened to Paul in a different way in the book of Philippians. He had been imprisoned by his persecutors with the intent of quieting him from sharing the saving message of Jesus Christ. The end result was opposite of what they intended.

“Instead of being squelched, the Message has actually prospered. All the soldiers here and everyone else too, found out that I’m jailed because of the Messiah. That piqued their curiosity and now they’ve learned about Him.” (MSG)

Regardless of where he was the apostle Paul fearlessly shared the message of Christ with everyone. Resulting in many lives being saved.

I was watching the Country Music Christmas show the other night and witnessed a beautiful example of sharing Christ. Kristin Chenoweth had performed several holiday selections and then was speaking with the host. She was asked what made the holidays so special to her and her response was that she is a believer in Christ and He is what makes the holiday special.

Her response caught my attention and I hope it caught others as well. With all the negativity in the media it was so nice to hear someone speak the truth on a national platform.

We will be given many opportunities this month to share our faith with two little words, “Merry Christmas,” which can be a statement of faith. I can choose to say, “Happy Holidays or Season’s Greetings,” but saying “Merry Christmas,” speaks more about my beliefs.

I am on the phones with travel vendors everyday and in those businesses they are encouraged to keep their faith out of work. But when I end the conversation with Merry Christmas they are allowed to respond back the same, if they choose, because my comment opened the door.

I am going to be deliberate in my holiday speaking with the hope of hearing Merry Christmas in return, all while watching for opportunities to share Christ more. Like Paul, I hope that curiosities will be piqued and that message will prosper.

My Prayer

Father, thank you for the many opportunities to share you with others. Open my eyes to see and my mouth to speak with boldness and truth. This season is full of possibilities and divine encounters that will open doors for Your message of love to be shares. Help me open the doors. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Where does my help come from?

Philippians 1:12-14

Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel. As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. And because of my chains, most of the brothers and sisters have become confident in the Lord and dare all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear.