Philippians 1:12–18a
A prison, or a set of chains, speaks of limits and troubles. Paul is in prison, bound with chains, and yet he is not sad. In today’s passage he says, “I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel.” What a surprising thing! Because Paul was in chains, the whole imperial guard had the chance to hear about Christ. Seeing Paul’s courage, other believers also became bold and were stirred up to preach the Word.
God uses even the hard circumstances of our lives for His own glory. People put Paul in prison to stop him, but God turned that prison into a platform for preaching. Some truly preached out of envy and pride, wanting to cause Paul pain, yet Paul rejoices and says, “What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretence or in truth, Christ is proclaimed, and in that I rejoice.” He had settled it in his heart that Christ was being preached one way or another. For him, the preaching of Christ mattered more than his own comfort. He knew that the gospel cannot be bound by any chain.
What problem or “prison” is in your life today? Perhaps that very problem is the opportunity God has prepared for you to share the gospel with someone. Our obstacles are no great matter to God. He turns even chains into a means of blessing. Instead of complaining today, think about how God is using your situation. Even inside prison walls, the gospel is free.
Prayer: Lord, use my “prison” — my limits and my problems — for the sake of Your gospel. May I always rejoice in You and tell others about You. Amen.