I want you to know,

    brothers and sisters,

that what has happened to me

   has really served

   to advance the gospel.

...knowing that I am put here

for the defense of the gospel.

             Philippians 1. 12, 16

(That changes everything

to know that we are put here

for eternal purposes

that others may know Christ.

In every circumstance,

even in the midst of every hardship,

we are strategically positioned

to bring the love and grace

     and name of Jesus there.

Nothing random at all

     but eternally appointed,

even in this,

even in what we cannot yet see.

God changes not just our attitude,

        but our hearts).

O LORD,

We cannot know fully

    Your appointments for us.

We cannot foresee

    how You are using us

    for Your kingdom and glory.

But we know You are at work

    for the sake of the gospel.

And You are not done yet.

Help us to be faithful to You

    even in the little things

that never turn out

       to be insignificant at all.

Help us to see

       and respond differently

because we know You.

Empower us

   to put the gospel

into words and actions.