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By Rev. JACOB RODRIGUEZ Imprisoned With A PurposeIn Captivity We Are Cultivated
The Process is in
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A Divine Prison Webster’s Dictionary defines imprisonment as - to put in a prison. Incarceration, captivity, isolation, bondage and confinement. In Philippians 1:12,13, Paul addresses the church concerning his chains in prison. He confirms to them that even though he was all chained up, the Gospel was proceeding and still being preached with great power. That even through his chains, strength and authority was being released to those who were not in prison to speak without fear. Interestingly, Paul knew and saw something that the Roman government, the soldiers, the inmates, and even the church didn’t realize or understand. Paul understood the power of his imprisonment and more importantly, the power of the One who kept him there. In the Apostle’s letter to the Philippians, he made notable emphasis on his prison experience. One highlight we will notice is that he never gave credit to the Roman regime. Not once do we hear Paul say, “I am a prisoner of Rome” or “I, Paul a Roman prisoner”. Throughout his writings, he issues no acknowledgment to the great empire. Instead, Paul uses different phrases to describe himself. For instance:
The Apostle understood and knew that the Romans were responsible for arresting him. But deep within he knew that God allowed it to happen and was completely in control. Likewise, when we are lead into situations that try our faith, we must keep a clear focus on the higher purpose. Peter said (1Peter 4:12) “Beloved, Think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you”. We should be able to accept the trial when it comes and know that God is in control. Prison Principles
My thought is that most problems are a prison. Now before you disregard this thought, here is my calculation: (These are the most common we face)
When we try doing what we normally do and suddenly something restrains us from accomplishing it; it is at that point the problem is birthed. Regardless the magnitude, all problems are created by restriction. A
Cause for Captivity, The one God can Bruise, is the one God can Use
In the story of Joseph, we see an illustration of a prison experience that prepared him for the greatest stage of his life. (Read Psalm 105:16-22) Psalm 105:16-22 paints a vivid picture of how God dealt with him and likewise it offers immediate application to how God deals with us. Similar to Joseph, we too have a tremendous calling of God on our lives. One that Satan is terrified of. God has placed a dream and gift inside every one of us. But we cannot obtain that dream as we are at the point when we were called. The reason is that we must grow into it. (Illustration) It’s like giving a 6 years old boy a pro level baseball bat and glove. The boy completely owns both the bat and glove, but he cannot use them the way they were intended for quite yet. It’s funny and cute when he tries to swing that big ole bat and almost falls over. But as he grows and becomes stronger, he is more apt to use those tools in full operation. Furthermore, we too must mature into our gifts in order become more effective. Our lives are a continual cycle of building and rebuilding. No matter what level you think you’re on. When God looks down at us, He sees a construction site, a child if you please. God sees a project that needs and demands continual maturing and growth. No matter how young or how old, how inexperienced or experienced, God still sees you as construction. God told Abram at the age of 99, to (Gen. 17:1) ”walk before me, and be thou perfect”. In this passage, the root word for perfect is matured. Abram being 99 years old, and God is still saying “GROW UP!” In the prison of circumstances, we are matured and refined. Paul “The Apostle” was a full-grown man, matured in ministry, developed in discipleship, a church planter, “an executive board member of Pentecost”, and God still had him in prison from time to time. That seems strange to us that God would periodically Lockup His Leaders. But for every prison we go through, there is a purpose. It’s because God wants to use us and raise us up to higher level of influence. The one God can Bruise, is the one God can Use. From
Isolation to Elevation The fact is, God has such high expectations for you, that even when you think you’re at your climax, He’ll lock you up again to prepare you for something greater. It’s natural for your questions to linger. “What’s going on?’ I’m chosen, but I’m chained. I’m called, but I’m confined! Don’t worry; God is developing you for another level of service. Some of the most powerful things happen in a locked up prison experience. In slavery is where Joseph dreamed his most influential dreams. In prison is where Samson’s hair grew back which gave him his power. Locked up inside the belly of a whale, Jonah received revelation of God’s mercy and brought one of the greatest revivals. Imprisoned in a cold, dark, and eerie cell, a man, savior and Lord named Jesus Christ awaited for what would be the greatest act of love and ministry this world has ever seen. Locked up inside a muggy room, 120 eager souls prayed and waited for the Spirit’s out pour; then 3,000 men were converted on the day of Pentecost. You never know what could be awaiting you just beyond your personal prison. Don’t reject the process that God has set up for you, if your 25, 35, or 55, God might just have a lock up experience waiting for you. Because not until the day we die, do we stop learning and growing. Maybe you feel as though Christ has just incarcerated you, or maybe you feel as though you’ve been in your prison for a while now. Just keep praying and seeking God and remember that you are Imprisoned with a Purpose.
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