12 Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually advanced the gospel, 13 so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard, and to everyone else, that my imprisonment is because I am in Christ. 14 Most of the brothers have gained confidence in the Lord from my imprisonment and dare even more to speak the word[a] fearlessly. (Philippians 1:12-14 CSB)
Have you ever considered that where you are, in your difficulty, is where God put you to advance the gospel?
I have a good friend who’s son suffered a debilitating injury some years back. I have watched he, his son and his family deal with and grow through the difficulty. This is not something anyone would have wished on them. But God saw it as an experience for them to grow and reach others through his very long road to recovery. God’s providence and and provision have been so evident in every moment and in every action through this very difficult situation.
Paul was in prison and had been dealing with every form of difficulty. However, his faith and the Word of Christ had become known throughout the whole imperial guard and everyone else in the prison and around it. Paul, like my friend, used his circumstance to fearlessly preach Christ crucified.
Every day is an opportunity to live fearlessly for Christ, to live out our faith. Every circumstance provides a chance to build into ours and others lives.
We must but live fearlessly.
