When we become a follower of the Lord our enemy is upset. He does everything he can to prevent us from having an impact on others and drawing them to God as well. We are warned that the number one battle field is in our mind. In II Corinthians 10:5 we are advised to "pull down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ." The enemy strives to control our thoughts and bring us to despair and discouragement so that we will do nothing for the Lord.
Paul must have experienced such activity in his mind but he did not yield. He could have decided that there was no useful future but instead he declared the brightness of his prospects even as he sat in jail. In Philippians 1:19-25 Paul outlines his future. He shares his expectation of "deliverance through your prayer and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ." Rather than being discouraged Paul declares that "Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death." Finally, he expresses his confidence that "I shall remain and continue with you all for your progress and joy of faith."
For Paul the prospect of a future did not depend on his circumstances but rather on his relationship with and service to God. As long as God gave him life he would continue using it for his glory. The key to Paul's outlook was that he continually had a word from God resounding in his heart. Whatever our circumstances we can look forward with confidence to God's working in and through us as long as we listen to God speaking within our heart. The moment we begin listening to the enemies arguments we will be robbed of the future God has for us.
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