Suffering Well

Now I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has actually resulted in the advancement of the gospel, so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard, and to everyone else, that my imorisonment is in the cause of Christ. Most of the brothers in the Lord have gained confidence from my imprisonment and dare even more to speak the message more fearlessly. Philippians 1:12-14

We don't like persecution but it happens, difficult times happen to us, just as it did to Paul and here he is rejoicing in that difficulty and showing how God was using his imprisonment for His glory.

Great men and women are in prison for their faith. I pray their faith is a witness to God's goodness. We face various trials but it is how we face them that speaks to others. Paul was being a witness to all in the Imperial Guard. Not only was he suffering imprisonment for his faith but he was also being opposed by those who were jealous of his ministry. These men were preaching the gospel out of envy, wanting to promote themselves.

The very people who should have supported Paul opposed him. They hoped this would put a nail in his coffin but rather Paul rejoiced because they were preaching Christ. What a good attitude. He did not feel sorry for himself but rather rejoiced that the message was going out.

In all we endure we can give God the glory and attract others to Christ. It is a waste of space to suffer wrongly. What is God  saying? What would He want you to do? Amen!

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