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The latter do so out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. – Philippians 1:16

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Life can take us to all kinds of unexpected places, depending on our risk tolerance. The more risk we can tolerate, the more diverse our life experiences can become. It takes maturity to see a purpose in specific circumstances. This is why we must listen to the elders. There are answers that can only come from them because of their wisdom and life experiences.

Adventures usually start with venturing in the unknown – going to places you’ve never been to, meeting people you don’t know, and even by speaking unknown languages. This is why evangelism is so exciting – it is an adventure.

You can get lost when entering a place you’ve never been to. You must learn to prepare for every adventure you embark on – in the physical, the intellectual, and in the spirit. Especially in the spirit, because it is invisible to the physical eyes. A sound preparation may not be sufficient, but at least it will be helpful. When Jesus was sending his disciples to some he told not to take extra money, clothes or shoes (Matthew 10:10). This was an assignment. We can’t embark on a journey simply because we feel like it. It has to be an assignment and we are to prepare for it.

This is what Paul describes in Philippians – his prison time brought joy because it served as an example to others, especially to those who had the maturity to perceive the hidden plans and purposes of what appeared as an unjust circumstances.

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