CHRIST IS PREACHED. Philippians 1:12-26 Like a pioneer forging a new trail through the forest to reach a new destination, Paul’s imprisonment cleared the way for the Gospel to reach the Roman military. Soldiers assigned to guard him served as a captive audience for several hours each day and would have come to know Paul, his compassion, his way of life, and most importantly, the message of the Gospel he shared. It would have been obvious to them that he was a “prisoner of Jesus Christ,” which was a glorious privilege and far more significant to him than being a prisoner of Nero. Some of these men, whom God saved, would have carried the Gospel to the far reaches of the Roman Empire. They also likely heard his prayers and his teachings to believers as he dictated them to a scribe. The word of God is not bound.
We won't find every situation in life easy, but that doesn't mean life's challenges are wrong. It's in these moments that the contrasts between what we have and what we want reveal our faith and build our character. There will be times when we face choices—to be bitter or to be a blessing. During these tough situations, we realize that joy is a choice. It’s truly up to us whether we use difficulties to create blessings or nurture a bitter spirit. Paul turned what could have been bad into good. The Spirit of God used His servant to speak, write, and live the Gospel, bringing blessings to people worldwide. He can do the same through willing servants today.