Philippians 1:12 “But I want you to know, brethren, that the things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel,”
The question of why bad things happen to good people is a question that has been asked for centuries. You may be asking that at this very moment. In the first century, the Philippian church members wanted to know why a good man like the Apostle Paul, who was faithfully serving the Lord, would find himself arrested and in a Roman jail. Knowing his friends at Philippi were concerned about him and that his present situation or circumstances did not seem to have a purpose, Paul addresses their concerns in Philippians 1:12. His answer to them just might be an answer for you.
In his answer, Paul said that the things that have happened, the difficult, rough, unsettling, unpleasant, hard things that have happened to him, happened so that there would be the opportunity to share Christ. He saw his present situation opening closed doors to share the gospel. Being in chains seemed like a closed door but he saw it as offered him the opportunity to proclaim the claims of Christ! Being in chains and chained to Roman soldiers of the highest order allowed him to share Christ and many got saved. In Philippians 1:13, he writes that it has become evident to the whole palace guard and to all the rest that his chains are in Christ. As well, he would end his letter by sending greetings from members of Caesar’s household. Philippians 4:22 says, “All the saints greet you, but especially those who are of Caesar’s household.”
To the question of “What is happening?” Paul would say, “Sharing Jesus is what is happening!”
Now for an answer to the question, “Why do bad things happen to good people?” Paul tells us that the bad, horrible circumstances just might be happening for the furtherance of the gospel. The idea of “furtherance” is clearing or opening a path.
We need to see our circumstances, even our difficult circumstances as a way in which God is clearing a path to communicate Christ!
Are you staying alert with your trials that they just may be divine appointments to share your testimony? Are you staying alert with unfavorable circumstances that may quickly turn into a favorable moment to have a conversation about Christ? Are you staying alert to see your various situations as opportunities to share the gospel?
I am praying you will have a Philippians 1:12 testimony where the things that happen to you, the good, the bad, and the awful things, will turn out for the furtherance of the gospel! So be watching and be alert to God clearing paths for you to communicate the gospel.
New contacts through new circumstances can become new converts!
Turn trials into a testimony and your rough circumstances will become rejoicing celebrations!
Continue Strong alert to divine appointments for sharing the gospel,
And remember to DATE the Word