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“I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. Philippians 4:18b (NIV)

Fully content with his life, Paul didn’t waste his time in prison by recounting missed opportunities or focusing on his lack of comfort. Instead, he seized those moments to encourage and affirm the lives of those God had entrusted to him. His resources were limited, nonexistent in fact. He was bound by chains, unable to pick up his feet and go. Yet Paul didn’t allow his lack of resources to suspend his giving.

There are lots of excuses why we don’t reach out. In today’s economy, we may find ourselves settling into complacency because our pockets are empty. Hectic lifestyles and preoccupation with self eases us off the mindset of Paul – yet our feet are not bound. We are free to move and free to extend ourselves – but we suspend our giving.

Paul preached, ministered and served others – it’s what placed him within those dark prison walls. But outreach when done for the glory of God always comes back full circle. The people Paul continued to pour his heart into were the ones God used to bless his life. A fragrant offering covering the repugnant odor of a damp prison. An acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God – an overflow of the encouragement and sacrifice Paul had given to them.

So how are we seizing the moments of our life – even the dark, hard places? How are we using our abundance as a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice pleasing to God? Authentic outreach isn’t about money or gifts but rather the overflow of God’s love from one heart to another.

“Father, we easily forget the simplicity of loving one another. Help us to reach deep, reach wide and spread your love to all we meet.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life