"Now I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has 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." Philippians 1:12-14
Bill and I have been through lots of tough times together in our marriage. I can't tell you how many times things have gone in big waves all at once - like having a van stolen, finishing a master's thesis, preparing to move, being pregnant, having the replacement van's engine go out, having a job "un-offered" when all the job and housing notices were given for the current situation - all happening in a couple of months of each other....and that was just one of our many exciting years. I know you have your own stories and you know what I'm talking about.
You may have thought this post was going to be about others giving encouragement to the sufferer - which seems logical and necessary. But in this passage, Paul is talking about how the suffering he has gone through has encouraged others to be more bold in sharing Christ.
There was once a time when I felt that others would be encouraged to follow the Lord if things were going well for me...that they would want what I have.
I don't know about you, but I've learned that what people are really drawn to is the peace and happiness they see when things ARE NOT going well. That isn't common, and it is something they want.
Others are encouraged when we suffer for Christ. Others are encouraged when we suffer and still trust God. Others are encouraged when we suffer and still praise God.
Do others know that you are trusting God in your suffering?
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