Now I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really
served to advance the gospel (Philippians 1:12).
Are your life circumstances advancing the gospel? Can you see the Lord’s
hand in your life in such a way that all of your life experiences, joys,
sorrows, hardships and training has resulted in advancing the gospel?
Paul was a tentmaker by trade. But he had an overall ministry objective in
his business life. That objective left him imprisoned and persecuted at
times. But Paul saw these events not as roadblocks to his mission. Rather,
they were catalysts to advancing the cause of Christ. Paul’s revelation of
this kept him from despairing from his circumstances.
One day a little known pastor who lived in the small African nation of Benin
began to pray for his Marxist president. For two years he prayed. Then the
Lord told this pastor to go to meet this president to share the gospel with
him. He rejected it, but after another such occasion the president accepted
the gospel and became a Christian. He was removed from power but was
discipled by this pastor. Some time later this same president was elected
again. Today that president is now a Christian leader of a nation committed
to spreading the gospel throughout his nation. One man, but millions have
been affected by his obedience. This modern-day story is retold in countless
lives for those willing to live for a cause greater than themselves.
Are your business and life experiences serving to advance the gospel? What
experiences has God allowed in your life that are part of God’s plan to
advance the gospel? Ask Him to help you see your life the way He sees it.
Seeing our life the way God