God’s Perspective

I want you to know, what has happened to me has actually served to advance the Gospel. Philippians 1-12. Welcome to today's encouragement from Our Daily Bread.

Our reading titled, God's Perspective, was written by Marvin Williams and read by Wes Ward. Philippians 1-12-18. Now, I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually 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. And because of my chains, most of the brothers and sisters have become confident in the Lord and dare all the more to proclaim the Gospel without fear. It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of good will. The latter do so out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the Gospel. The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains.

But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this, I rejoice.

Yes, and I will continue to rejoice. God's Perspective, written by Marvin Williams. In 2018, Pastor Tan Flippen had a cycling accident that landed him in the hospital with fractures to his hip. When the doctors ordered a CT scan to check for a concussion, they discovered a large malignant tumor on the front of his brain.

The discovery led to a long medical journey with more masses found and extensive treatments performed, including a bone marrow transplant. Flippen believes that God allowed the accident for my brain tumor to be found. Paul told the Philippians that God can use accidents and other adversities for His glory. The apostle was under Roman house arrest, awaiting trial before the Emperor Nero for a capital offense. Rather than being sad, Paul rejoiced.

How could he be joyful? He counted being in chains for Christ as a privilege. Next, looking at his adversity from God's perspective, Paul said, What has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel. He used his incarceration as an opportunity to share the gospel with the guards chained to him.

Finally, as he preached the good news of Jesus while in bondage, his example encouraged other believers to proclaim the gospel without fear. When adversity comes, let's trust God's perspective and believe that, even from what's difficult, He can bring something good. Let's pray. Lord, when challenges come our way, would You help us to see them through Your eyes and trust that You have a greater purpose in our suffering? May we lean even more on You for our comfort and strength and know that You are working all things out for our good. Thank You, Lord. It's in Jesus' name that we pray. Amen. As you go about your day, reflect on these questions. How did you respond to a recent challenging situation? How can you embrace God's point of view and see Him working it out for good?