“Because of my chains, most of the brothers in the Lord have been encouraged to speak the Word of God more courageously and fearlessly.”

It wasn’t just because of his chains;  it was because of how he handled his chains.

Seeing their friend, Paul, put it all on the line, step up to bat in the bottom of the ninth with bases loaded and two out and swing into a sinking fastball~~they rose up in new strength as something in them said, “Hey! Me, too!”

There’s a sense in which others’ abilities are no greater than mine and my troubles are no worse than theirs.

The difference isn’t in the qualities of abilities or the quantities of troubles.

The difference comes in how I wear my chains, face my prison guards and seize my opportunities.

The difference comes in how I step up to bat in the bottom of the ninth with bases loaded and two out and, by the grace of God, swing at a sinking fastball.