Joyless or Joyful

Have you ever felt like the world is spinning faster? I’m talking about one of those vintage relic merry-go-rounds—the kind where your friends spun you until you nearly lost consciousness. That’s exactly how I feel right now. I’m hanging on for dear life while everything around me moves at a rapid pace.

Yet somehow, I feel like I’m part of a herd of turtles walking through peanut butter.

Today, I found myself reading an email from my son-in-law. He is still behind bars, and I will say it again—he does not need to be there. This is a topic I discussed in a previous blog, “Whose Your One Movement.”

I will continue to be vocal about his unfortunate circumstances and rally behind him every step of the way. He does not deserve to be locked away.

The email he sent was uplifting and encouraging. For so long, he was lost. Pleas for his salvation had been made over the past years. Ironically, the person who wanted him to take that step toward salvation is the same one holding the keys to his freedom. It is evident that forgiveness is not being extended—and that is okay.

You see, he has met the God of salvation behind those bars.

He is spreading the gospel within those walls and being a light of encouragement to others. He shared with me that while he made his own path, God has shown him nothing but grace. His salvation came at the perfect time—because God’s timing is always perfect.

Daniel was imprisoned for preaching the gospel. My son-in-law broke the law and met God. Daniel remained faithful and proclaimed the gospel from prison walls. My son-in-law is now spreading the gospel and hope from behind those same kinds of walls.

God shut the lions’ mouths to keep Daniel from being devoured. I have faith that He will shut the lion’s mouth regarding my son-in-law as well. In time, that will happen—and I trust God completely.

While the world spins faster around me, my son-in-law is not distracted by the chaos outside. He is focused on himself. He is engaging with those who need hope. He has time—time to reflect, to grow, and to strengthen his faith.

Chains Advance the Faith

Philippians 1:12–14
I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel… 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 forgives all sins.

The thief on the cross was extended grace and salvation.

Luke 23:39–43
“Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.”

Point to remember:
Don’t give anyone else the satisfaction of holding the “keys” to your freedom. God holds the keys to the Kingdom. That one person who believes they have ultimate control will eventually be dealt with. God does not allow anything to stand in the way of one of His children.

So keep riding that merry-go-round—and hang on.