“Whatever Happens To You, It Is God Enhancing The Gospel!”

“Whatever Happens To You, It Is God Enhancing The Gospel!”
Paul writes, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose…”(Rom.8:28). This does not presuppose that bad situations in our lives work to our advantage. On the contrary it means that bad situations in our lives are still ways through which God achieves his purpose.
This is well expressed by Paul himself in his letter to the Philippians, “Now I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me really served to advance the gospel. As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. Because of my chains, most of the brothers in the Lord have been encouraged to speak the word of God more courageously and fearlessly”(1:12-14).
Paul’s imprisonment for the sake of the gospel became a source of encouragement to other brothers to speak the word of God courageously! Not only this, some of Paul’s finest writings which we read for our edification today were written while he was in prison.
Over the years, some great literatures of the Christian faith were penned down in prison by men who were incacerated because they stood for the content of the good news.
“The Pilgrim’s Progress” a classic Christian allegory was writren by John Bunyan between 1660-1672 while he was in prison. In the same way, “The Cost of Discipleship” which is considered a modern classic was written by the German pastor, theologian and anti-Nazi dissident, Dietrich Bonhoeffer.
Prison ministry did not begin with churches deciding to reach out to prison inmates; prison ministry began with prison inmates reaching out to other inmates with the word of God.
My friend, do not see your trying and difficult moments as an end of the road! Rather rejoice that God has allowed it to happen to you according to his purpose!
No matter the challenges, we stay strong! We are winners in the Lord because all things are working to our good according to his purpose! Let others preach the gospel, be it out of rivalry or goodwill, whether from false motives or true, “the important thing is that in every way…Christ is preached.”
Prayer: Father work your will through my predicament according to your purpose. Amen!
Have a blessed weekend! Peace be with you!