Philippians 1:12-14
Note: For the Summer we are reprinting some devotions that ran back when we were getting this site up and running. Hopefully this is new content to you, and we will get back into writing fresh devotions as our schedule allows.
12 And I want you to know, my dear brothers and sisters, that everything that has happened to me here has helped to spread the Good News. 13 For everyone here, including the whole palace guard, knows that I am in chains because of Christ. 14 And because of my imprisonment, most of the believers here have gained confidence and boldly speak God’s message without fear.
Have you ever noticed that tragedy is a catalyst? Something about going through hard times makes people focus on what's really important, and it draws them back to God. I remember after the 9-11 attacks that rocked our nation (I know I'm dating myself) that there were many people who turned to God. Many churches experienced a 10-20% increase in attendance following those attacks, because people were searching for answers. You've noticed this in your own life, when your parents start fighting, or when you have a test coming up in school, you pick those moments to cry out to God.
News of Paul being in prison got around. People looked to him as a pillar of the faith, and now he was being taken away. I'm sure this drove people to their knees, and when they were down there God spoke to them about people that they needed to be witnessing to. What the enemy meant for evil (removing Paul), God turned around for good (now there were many people talking about Christ). And this hadn't stopped Paul either, he was witnessing to everyone he had contact with. So the gospel was actually moving forward because of his chains. That's pretty amazing.
When you're going through hard times, do you expect God to turn it around for his glory?
-Jeff-
