Facebook reminded me this morning about my devotional for Dr. Mike’s Daily Prescriptions” that posted three years ago today. At that time we were about a week into discovering that Karen not only had cancer; but that it was just about as serious as it could be. The Daily Prescription that posted on this date, March 2, 2015 was written long before we knew that Karen had cancer. It was written in with conviction and I really meant it in the good days. Then we learned of the cancer and this post came up automatically in the rotation. I distinctly remember bowing my head and weeping at my writing station when I read it. Karen was already using the “chain” as her commission. I needed to bow my head and my knee and commit to the Lord that I would not ask “why” but rather “what” do you want us to do and “how” can we use this trial for your honor and glory? Here is what I wrote and before you read it, may I add, I still absolutely, positively believe this today. Whatever your “chain” or trial, let God turn it into a “commission” to be used by Him for His glory and your blessing.

“And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak” (Ephesians 6:19-20).

The apostle Paul is such a great example to each of us. In spite of the difficulty of his circumstances, Paul wanted to be faithful in his witness and testimony for the Lord Jesus. He was very open and transparent as to his weakness and requested that the church at Ephesus pray that God would give him boldness to speak as he ought to speak. It is interesting to notice that he calls himself an “Ambassador in bonds.” The word “bonds” has to do with “a chain used to restrain a prisoner.” No one wants to be in chains. Rather than rebelling against them, Paul looked at his chain and declared it to be his commission. How will this play out in your life today? What is that situation that you would view as a chain? How will you turn this into an opportunity to be a witness for the Lord?

For today: Don’t let your hardship deter you. Consider yourself an ambassador in bonds.