Gospel Chains: Finding Purpose in Prison

Happy Thanksgiving!“I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel, so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to all the rest that my imprisonment is for Christ. 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 Like Paul, you and I are also called to be ministers wherever God places us. We are gospel bearers and gospel planters. If we can understand this, we can begin to see that God wants to use us, even in the midst of tough situations, to give us the platform to reach the lost. When we begin to recognize that God is always at work and that His plan is always for the good of those who love Him, then our trials are put into perspective and makes it possible for us to walk in thanksgiving, even during the toughest times. This doesn’t mean it won’t still hurt. I heard this saying about going through cancer, “You don’t have to be happy to hope; you can be thankful to God, know you are blessed, walk in gratitude, and still hurt.” And maybe, just maybe, as you walk with this perspective, the way you experience your trials can impact the lives of the people around you. Consider that the manner in which Paul endured his chains allowed those around him to see God. Paul's testimony, the way he lived and treated others, positively impacted the lives of those around him. Not only that, but his chains also impacted other believers. Kind of like the way Paul lived and honored God, even in prison, inspired other believers to do the same. His influence on "the brethren" caused them to become bolder in sharing their faith. This was another effect of the way Paul lived. It was also more evidence of God's purposes for Paul's suffering.Give thanks. Be nice. Grace wins.