“I want you to know, brethren, that the things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel.” Philippians 1:2

What’s the view look like to you when you’re dealing with strife? Do you turn inward, shut down, put up walls between you and your friends and family. Perhaps you feel you’ve been treated unjustly and become bitter, seeking ways to lash out or extract payback against the world. Or maybe you’re believing that God has forgotten about you and things will never be better than they are at the moment. We’ve all been there. When you are, remember this powerful reminder from worship leader Tasha Cobbs,

“There Is Power In The Name Of Jesus,

To Break Every Chain.”

We CAN choose faith. In this particular verse in Philippians, Paul is referencing the fact that even as he’s writing these words he’s sitting in a jail cell. Paul says, “It has become evident to the whole palace guard that my chains are in Christ (yet) my chains are much more bold to speak (God’s) word without fear.”  Indeed, that’s the kind of an attitude that turns scars into stars. When you choose to proclaim your positive faith, even in the midst of suffering, there is no doubt that you will change the lives of others. Many will see your faith in action and seeds of faith will be planted. When that happens, congratulations! You’ve just begun to change the world.