Breaking the Shackles of Excuses
Text: Philemon 1

Paul's love for Jesus and his overwhelming gratefulness to God for saving him compelled him to preach the Good News! He had every excuse to give up, close shop, and coast to the finish line. He was incarcerated! He couldn't travel and start churches. He couldn't stand before crowds and preach. He was under house arrest. He couldn't leave! But this didn't stop Paul. He shared with the guards. He shared the gospel with a runaway slave. He discipled faithful men who came to see him. He recognized he was where he was because of God's divine appointment and providence.

God has given each of us a unique mission field. And He has given His Spirit and spiritual gifts to use. Peter tells us to serve others with our gift! He writes in 1 Peter 4:10, "As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace." A steward is one entrusted to manage the property of another. Everything we have is God's and intended to be used for His purpose and glory!

God's grace breaks the shackles of excuses. He has you where He wants you. Let your light shine!