Not Bitterness but Blessing. Philippians 1:12. “But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel;” The situation seemed difficult, but Paul didn’t see being imprisoned as a curse. It became a chance for him to share his faith in Christ and present the Gospel of God’s grace to lost sinners. God had arranged for his audience to be right there. Not just any audience, but a captive one that had to guard him and stay close enough so he could speak to each person individually. This was a place where his testimony could be seen and heard every day for two years. He wasn’t discouraged by the circumstances; his witness was sharp, his audience was there, he planted and watered the seed, and God gave the increase.
There are times when unexpected opportunities arise to live and share the Gospel if we're alert and willing to let God use us. When we lose a job, or something valuable like our home in a fire, or our health, or a difficult situation occurs, we may lose all our possessions; how we respond to these circumstances and the way we choose to react shows others, without words, whose side we are on. Do we truly trust God and let Him work through us? When people observe our attitude, what message do they see and hear?
God allows things to happen to us, and we may never understand why these difficult circumstances occur until after we have died. If we know God well enough and recognize that He has permitted this, we can pray for His guidance and grace in the situation and find peace. Sometimes, it is during moments of pressure or indecision that God opens a door that was previously hidden. Even in difficult times of discouragement, some lasting results will emerge, and good can come from it.
The Gospel often advances during serious opposition. When observers see Christians face normal human experiences with dignity and grace, they may start to reflect on their own reactions in tough times. Perhaps they will wonder, “Why is their response to trouble so different from mine?” God has reasons for allowing bad things to happen. His light and grace shine even brighter when His children don’t complain but use difficult times to bring spiritual blessing to others. Paul did this, and many of the soldiers became his spiritual brothers.