GodSprings - 28 November, 2016

Is My Pain Accomplishing Anything For God?

 

12 I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel, 13 so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to all the rest that my imprisonment is for Christ. 14 And most of the brothers, having become confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, are much more bold to speak the word without fear..

Philippians 1:12-14

When Handel wrote the “Hallelujah Chorus,” his health and his fortunes had reached an all-time low. His right side had become paralyzed, and all his money was gone. He was heavily in debt and threatened with imprisonment. He was tempted to give up the fight. The odds seemed entirely too great. And it was then he composed his greatest work—Messiah.

Paul shares from personal experience that our perspective in times of pain makes all the difference. Paul is not asking, “Is what’s happening to me fair?” Rather, he poses this question: “Is what’s happening to me accomplishing something for God? Is it furthering His purposes in the world?”

Paul is challenging us to view adversity in light of its kingdom contribution. In doing so, Paul insists that adversity does not bring the gospel to a standstill; rather, it advances the gospel. Paul puts it like this: “Now I want you to know, brethren, that my circumstances have turned out for the greater progress of the gospel, so that my imprisonment in the cause of Christ has become well known throughout the whole praetorian guard and to everyone else”

Paul’s imprisonment led to “the greater progress of the gospel”. Even though Paul’s imprisonment may have seemed like a setback, it actually served to advance the gospel among those in Rome.

 In God’s sovereignty, the Lord ordained Paul’s imprisonment in Rome so many people would hear the gospel who would not otherwise have heard it. Furthermore, many of these people are significant and influential people, who in the future, have a great impact for God.

Although God closes a prison door behind Paul, He opens a new door for the gospel. This is why Paul cares more about the progress of the gospel than his own problems. He is confident that God is always at work. And he believes that we can have our best witness in our worst circumstances.

Similarly, God uses your painful circumstances to advance His gospel. You may not like your job, your school, your neighborhood, or your marriage, but God has you “chained up” to some people who need Christ.

There are no mistakes or coincidences. God has a plan and He is advancing His kingdom through YOU.