"Write on a scroll what you see and send it..."

In 2 Timothy 1:8, 2:1 Paul writes, “Do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord of me his prisoner.  Rather, join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God…. You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.”

Rev. 1:9, “I, John, your brother and companion in the suffering and kingdom and patient endurance that are ours in Jesus, was on the island of Patmos because of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus.”

Paul was in prison and John was on a prison island.  Both were in chains because of the gospel.   While their preaching and establishing the church was a significant work, the letters they wrote by far have directly impacted more lives throughout history.

Ironically, both Paul and John were writing to encourage others in the faith while they were in a position of great difficulty.  Rather than reaching out for encouragement, they continued to provide comfort and support to the Church of Christ.

Their writing mattered.  It made a difference.  They could have become discouraged and gave up writing all together.  They could have believed a lie that they could not possibly continue to have influence now that they were in prison.    

Rather, they continued to pursue their heart’s passion in the only avenue open to them – through their writing.   They reached out to those that mattered to them with whatever they had to give.  Their hearts were all the more passionate and purposeful about the kingdom of God coming forth.

I think overall, when we write, it reveals a great deal about us.    What do we write about?  Who is our audience?   What we write about reflects the longings in our heart… it is about who we are as people.   It is a place of vulnerability and sharing.  And what audience we write for reflects who we care about and want to have influence with.   

In both John’s and Paul’s writing, you can hear their passion.  They longed for the body of Christ to be formed in Christ’s image.  They were passionate about the church and passionate about the kingdom of God.  It was this passion and not their personal comfort or situations that drove their behavior. 

Paul and John are a perfect example that our internal weather does not is not determined by our circumstances.  Peace comes by surrender and trust in Christ.  In this place of peace, we can walk through any circumstance and be like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego who were set free in the place of fire.

We can be locked in prison and struggling through difficult circumstances yet be at a place of rest.  If we, like Paul and John, are holding on to God and keeping an eternal perspective, we can receive our circumstances with grace.

Paul says in Phillipians 4:12-13, “I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need.  I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.…”

Lord, Forgive me where I care more for my circumstances than your kingdom coming forth.  I have been focused on what I feel I need rather than trusting You know what is best.  Change my heart.  Let us be like Paul and John who rejoice in all circumstances and find their strength and joy in You.  Let us not grow discouraged in difficulty, but more passionate and purposeful.