Philippians 1:12–13 (NKJV)
12 But I want you to know, brethren, that the things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel, 13 so that it has become evident to the whole palace guard, and to all the rest, that my chains are in Christ;
The circumstances of life often thwart our service for Christ. We allow the bad and even the good events to keep us from following Christ.
The apostle Paul knew about the circumstance of life. Paul knew what it was to suffer for Christ. These passages of Scripture speak to Paul’s suffering: 2 Corinthians 4:8-12; Galatians 5:11; 2 Timothy 3:10-13; 1 Corinthians 15:11; 2 Timothy 3:10-11; 1 Corinthians 15:30-32 and many other verses.
One person wrote, “The maturity of a person can be seen by how well he handles the things that happen to him things that affect a person with mood changes ranging from mild to severe.”
As Christians, we are called to share the gospel regardless of circumstances. A mature believer shares the gospel regardless of circumstances. Paul served God and note what Paul did not do when the persecution came from the unbelieving world. Paul:
- Did not grumble and complain.
- Did not question God and wonder why.
- Did not cry and murmur.
- Did not curse God or fall to pieces
Paul used his dark days to spread the gospel.
We must make the best of each day allowing God to work in and through us. Miraculous things happen when we let go and let God!