Speaking Joy during Imprisonment

The Apostle Paul is one of my favorite men in the Bible. So as I was reading Philipians Chapter 1, I felt the need to share a few things that spoke to my life during my process. Here goes: PHILIPIANS 1:1-12(PLEASE READ FIRST) First, I love and admire Paul passionette introductions in each chapter he writes. He loves his people and has a graceful & humble spirit about him. This man has a joyful heart, he has great pleasure and happiness. He was self-assured that what God starts, He ALWAYS provides a way to help us get through it, NO matter what the process is. Second,Paul was in chains, but still had the guts to feel the joy of suffering for Christ. To me, thats an amazing thing! Can you imagine being in prison and happy about it?? I try to imagine a prison cell in those times. Nothing like todays prisons/jails. He had almost nothing but dirt,rust,chains,maybe rats. Third, Chains for Christ?? We want to please God in all we do. No matter what we have to go through, whatever it takes so that He can be glorified, then thats what it is to truley suffer for Christ. Paul was a perfect example. The story has so much more detail and we will go through it in the next few weeks. Are you in prison? Spiritually,mentally,emotionally speaking. Do you think that the chains are too tight? The burden is too heavy? Or maybe you feel you cant breath or going to die. Lets dwell on these few verses and what Paul had to endure for Christ. We can use his example to be encouraged and hopeful that the Mighty God will help you through. How hard it must have been to be locked up and still be able to speak words of encouragement and life ,words of wisdom and love to those who are lost in a dying world. He also spoke to his fellow brothers in Christ and lifted them up. I want to encourage you today to never give up hope and always speak joyfully because HE WHO STARTED A GOOD WORK WILL BE FAITHFUL TO COMPLETE IT! Paul stated that everyone knew he was in prison and he was NOT ashamed of it. If your trial is too hard to bare, just know that God is Faithful. He is so loving and IS going to help you with all the hurt, hardships and trials. Gods love is greater than anything out there.. TRY HIM..SEEK HIM..ENCOUNTER HIM while He may be found Im no scholar or theologist, but I know the Power of the Word and the Power of His Love for me. I tell you in my darkest hour is when He becomes my Strength! I love Jesus and wouldnt change MY LIFE and situations for anything in this world! Many blessings to you!!!! Maria