Good from Adversity

This morning we were privileged to hear Bob Blanshan speak at church. He has been a friend of the family since before my Mom was born and I enjoy it when he and his wife June come to visit our area. This morning he first read the first 14 verses in Philippians. He especially talked about verses 12-14 which says:

"Now I want you to know, brethren,
that my circumstances have turned out for the

greater progress of the gospel,
So that my imprisonment in the cause of Christ
has become well known throughout the whole
praetorian guard and to everyone else,
and that most of the brethren,
trusting in the Lord because of my imprisonment,
have far more courage to speak the word of God without fear."

Philippians 1:12-14

Isn't that something that because Paul was in prison more people were able to hear the gospel than if he would have been out free. He was able to talk to all those guarding him and then the other Christians learned to trust in God better and shared the gospel as well.

God can work through our adversity too! We don't run looking for problems but often they come our way anyway, we need to face them like Paul did, keep our eyes on God and look for opportunities to serve Him in the situation we are in. In the future when we look back we may be able to see how God has actually used our hardships for the better. Isn't that exciting?!

What about you? Are you letting God work through you?