55-Day Devotional Journey – Day 4
June 4, 2025 (Wednesday)
Scripture:
“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.”
Philippians 1:12–14 (NIV)
Devotion: When We’re Stuck in First Gear
When Paul wrote these words, he was in prison. But instead of feeling defeated, he shared something unexpected: his imprisonment had actually helped advance the gospel. Being physically chained didn’t stop God’s work—it just moved it forward in a different way. What’s more, Paul’s courage gave others boldness too. Sometimes, we think trials pause the mission. But in God’s hands, they become part of the mission. He doesn’t need perfect conditions to reach people—He works through hard ones too.
I experienced this in a small way while living in South Africa. During a church mission trip, our car broke down on the way—over 1,500 km still to go, and the only working gear left was first gear. We were stuck at 30 km/h. With seven or eight of us packed into the car, we were worried about burning the engine and frustrated at how slow the journey became. But in that long, uncomfortable drive, something shifted. We prayed. We sang. We laughed. We shared honestly. That breakdown became a kind of breakthrough. God used that slow journey to shape us, deepen us, and knit us together in ways we never expected. Just like Paul, we discovered that even when life stalls, the gospel doesn’t.
Reflection Question
Is there something in your life right now that feels like a setback? How might God be using it—not in spite of it, but through it—to move His message forward?
Prayer
Lord, thank You that even when my life feels slow, broken, or stuck, You are still working. Help me to see my obstacles through Your eyes—to believe that You are using my situation for something far bigger than I can see. Teach me to trust You when I feel powerless, and to live with courage, so that others may find hope through the testimony You’re writing in my life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
By Pastor James Su