The Joy Choice: Purpose
Philippians 1:12-18.
 

In the Greek: Xaris-Grace…Xara-Joy…Xar-Rejoice

Philippians 1:12  Now  I  want you to know,  brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the Gospel. Verse 18b…And because of this, I rejoice.

C+P=E: Circumstances + Perspective=Experience

How Paul looked at his difficult circumstances:

The Gospel goes forth: Verse 13 As a result,  it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ.
The Church grows strong: Verse 14 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.
God takes care of what I can’t control: Verse 18b The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this, I rejoice.

Purpose Statements That Lead To Joy:

I am a messenger of grace. How could  God use my difficult circumstances to advance the Gospel?
I am called to encourage others and build them up in the grace God offers. How could  God use my difficult circumstances to encourage other believers?
I am a servant of the living God and I can trust the “Grace Giver” to handle what I can’t control. What could God do in me if I released what I can’t control?