DEVELOPED IN PRISON

PRISON WALLS 

Prison walls can be intimidating to prisoners and those without.  It stems as a reminder that the prisoner is restricted and freedom is limited.  Some walls have no windows so there is no view or connection of the outside world.  The days appear to have more hours and time seems to stop.  Prison walls can break or make you. 

However, prison walls can be the very thing that is needed to bring you to the quietness that is required to reflect on why you are in there.  For some it is an awake to consciousness.  Many has used it as a bridge to their salvation.  Many hymns, and books have been written from within the walls.  

Prison walls isolate and divide you from others.  They can become obstruction to connect you to reality, or they can be protecting you from harm to or from others.  In many ways prison walls are retainers. They keep, preserve and maintain you.  They may even restore you and give you opportunities to be noticed.  

TODAY'S FOCUS:  OPPORTUNITY TO DEVELOP

Although prison walls can cause you to be isolated from the world and make your surroundings a very dark place, prison walls can be an opportunity for development. It can and will create skills for future promotion or entitlement.  It will require you to use your time to reflect and look beyond the walls with hope.   

Not every prison sentence carries a "death sentence" but an opportunity for a brighter and greater future.  The timing (years spent within these walls) can be used to develop you into an effective leader, instructor, author, world changer and so much more.  

Let's reflect on the story of Joseph.  Although He was wrongfully accused and sent to prison, he did not let that dampen his spirit or change who he was.  The prison walls limited him to what he was accustomed of doing.  However,  he served as excellently as he would if he was tending his father's flock.  This caused him to be noticed and given a leadership position.  

You see his future position needed the experience and so these walls served as the opportunity he needed.  He had the gift in him, but he needed the experience.  His brothers pit plan and Potiphar's wife lies had all served their purpose.  He needed the walls to develop himself.  

What about you?  Whether you are behind the walls from the wrong you have done or as Joseph wrongfully accused-  Are  you complaining about the walls that restrict you or are you proofing and developing your skills?  What about the book you wanted to write, the classes you needed to take, the weight you wanted to loose, or the plans for ministry and other spiritual/personal development? 

It is in the quietness of the walls when you are not disturbed you will develop your gift.  When your back is against the wall, you will hear directly from God.  No sunlight, but God's light; no noise, but peace; no one to give you advice, but His spirit will speak within your spirit.  You will hear, this is the way, walk in it. You will hear and see the "inner you."

Reflection Activity:

Take time, lie down quietly and reflect on the prison walls that are around you or imagine you within prison walls.  You can't go to work, talk on the cellphone or have contact with anyone.  Review the following and allow God to speak directly into your spirit and as you pen down your answers look for the purpose of your prison walls. 

What would God need you to change about you?

What would God have you develop?

What would God have you move forward with?

What would God have you to say?

Remember, you don't have to die in prison.  Your dreams are not destroyed, but developed.  Like Joseph, you can soar, and put your best out.  Your skills will be noticed and required at the appointed time.  Use the time to develop yourself and your God given gifts.  Prison walls are not always a bad thing, it could be the thing that you need to get your attention as David - He makes me lie down to restore your soul.  

God Bless and Keep the Faith!

Virtuous Jewel