Redemptive Pain
Phil 1:12
“But I want you to know, brethren, that the things which happened to me
have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel.”
NKJV
Bad stuff happens- to good people and to bad people. Life is full of a broad spectrum of emotions, incidents and occasions. It is a mixture of blessings and struggles. In truth, the trials of life are the greatest common denominator. No one is immune. Even the very rich and famous are not exempt from trouble. If life is abundant in hardship, shouldn’t we learn how to meet the troubles in the best way possible?
I have done quite a bit of study in Paul’s “Prison Epistles”. Every time, the thing that leaves me in awe, is the truth that he was incarcerated when he penned the words, “Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!” (Phil. 4:4, NKJV) He was not in a luxury prison with cable TV, wholesome meals, and a fully equipped work-out room. Some scholars say that some of his incarceration may have happened in places with raw sewage at his feet. What did he have to rejoice about? Nothing. Everything! Nothing in the natural, everything in the Spirit! He knew he had escaped hell, which he, as a sinner and persecutor of Christians, deserved. (Just like me.) But, He knew the peace and joy of God. He knew the power of God. Because of that, he had it all, even while he had nothing.
Today’s verse has a profound truth in it. What is happening to us- whether good or bad, can serve to further the gospel. If we let it. It does not have to only be about us. Even our struggles can be about Him- and about leading others to Christ. Paul recognized that even while he was in a “tight place” that it was all about the Kingdom. He had done nothing wrong. He was merely telling people the good news of the gospel- Jesus died for them and they could be saved. But because of that, he was thrown into prison. Even so, he realized that because of his imprisonment, others were inspired to become bolder and more courageous in their proclamation of the gospel. His pain? Heaven’s gain.
If you are a Christian, people are watching you. They are watching your life and conduct. Even during hard times. Or should I say, especially during hard times? You and I have a responsibility not only to God, but to others He has placed within our sphere of influence. There is only so much telling we can do. But showing– that speaks louder than words. Meeting your difficulties with grace and peace will be your most effective sermon. Are you up to the challenge?
Every new mom will tell you that the pain of childbirth was worth it, when they held their tiny miracle in their arms. The same can be true with our trials and struggles. They can have a redemptive purpose. If we let them.
Dear Lord, help me to live as Paul did, using my pain to further Your Kingdom. Help me to see Your purpose, even in my tight places. Help my life to be redemptive to others. Forgive me of my near-sightedness and selfishness. Help me approach my life in view of eternity. And please, Lord, help me to endure with joy! In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Sherri, thank you for this and all of your posts! I always find comfort and encouragement in your words.
“Meeting your difficulties with grace and peace will be your most effective sermon. ” So much truth lies in that sentence! Sometimes my faith is strong on the inside and often it remains within me without expression. When I allow it to be exercised in my actions/reactions, I know God is speaking to others in a tangible way.
Last year presented many trials that have tested my faith – in the most remarkable way. A lukewarm faith was stirred, strengthened and has completely renewed my spirit. The unconditional love, mercy and compassion given to me by God is slowly but surely flowing from Him to me, and now to my family and friends. While this has been a private journey for me (for now), I know those around me have witnessed a change and hopefully can feel that love.
Keep those words flowing!
I enjoyed reading this today and this line stuck out to me: “It does not have to only be about us”
This is true and good for me to remember today.
Amen to this. It’s so easy to forget the truth we already know, sometimes. To those who love God, everything eventually does work for good. God help us.
Great encouragement, Sherri! It’s hard to remember that we are to rejoice in the hard times too,but it’s often in the hard times that we grow the most if we will allow God to do the work He has in store.
Great encouragement, Sherri. It is true that others are watching us to see how we handle hard times.
Thank you so much for the words of encouragement! I pray each of you reap a harvest of righteousness from your struggles that strengthens not only you, but all of the lives that you touch! God help us to be faithful!
Only by His grace,
Sherri