A Light In A Dark Place
“I want you to know, beloved, that what has happened to me has actually helped to spread the gospel, so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to everyone else that my imprisonment is for Christ; and most of the brothers and sisters, having been made confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, dare to speak the word with greater boldness and without fear. Some proclaim Christ from envy and rivalry, but others from goodwill. These proclaim Christ out of love, knowing that I have been put here for the defense of the gospel; the others proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely but intending to increase my suffering in my imprisonment. What does it matter? Just this, that Christ is proclaimed in every way, whether out of false motives or true; and in that I rejoice. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, for I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ this will turn out for my deliverance. It is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be put to shame in any way, but that by my speaking with all boldness, Christ will be exalted now as always in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, living is Christ and dying is gain.”
—Philippians 1:12-21 NRSV
Life is extremely difficult at times. Plans do not workout. Discouragements come. People disappoint us. The daily news can cause fear. But we know that God is able make good out of bad situations, and in Philippians 1:12-21, Paul makes us more aware of that truth.
How do we see the hand of God in our world when so many things seem to go against us? Failed plans, oppressive governmental systems, sickness, shattered dreams, thwarted opportunities, even death — all causing us grief, yet all leading us to new opportunities.
Paul rejoiced while in chains because Christ was preached and the gospel was carried further. He hoped long and hard to preach in the streets and synagogues of Rome, but when he finally came to Rome he was actually a prisoner. Yet for him, bad was turned to good when it is used for an opportunity to witness for Christ to his prison guards. This was because Paul new his purpose, and he would not let any disappointment distract him from it.
I imagine that there were nights Paul cried, went to sleep hungry, and woke up to the sting of open wounds on his body. Being on house arrest or imprisoned is enough to drive anyone crazy, but Paul was more concerned with his mission than he was his circumstances.
And as you reflect on the difficulties you experience, has the enemy ever temped you into seeing yourself as a victim? Consider the truth that you were made in God’s image and likeness, and you were saved to be a source of hope in hopeless situations. Can you be a light that shines even in dark circumstances?
God specializes in making good out of a bad situations, so do not lose hope. Even in the midst of hardships, keep pressing on! Your peculiar purpose can only reveal its true value if you don’t give up on your goals. Circumstances may knock us down and things may look impossible, but we must get back up and fight on, for God is with us!
LORD our God,
You know exactly how hard this journey is, you know my weaknesses as well as my strengths. And I know that you specialize in moments like this. Your reputation proceeds you, so I call you Savior, and when I am week you give me the strength to press on. Give me faith to fight what sometimes feels like a losing battle, and help me to see your unchanging hand in the midst of my many trails. Show me the victories that my suffering wins for you, so like Paul, I can rejoice in my difficulties. Yet grant me relief from these pains, if it is your will. May I learn to rejoice in all of your plans, for I know that the whole world is in your hands. In Jesus Name. Amen!