stephen R Harrison

(Read Philippians 1:12)

I was looking at a large magnolia tree in our backyard and wondering when it would bloom (it’s late March).  We moved in last summer, and we’ve never seen it bloom. Many factors, like soil conditions, can affect blooming, but my best guess is that we missed it last year. Flowers are resilient and usually bloom where planted. Is that true about the gospel? Do we need perfect conditions to spread the gospel? Will it bloom wherever it’s planted? According to the Apostle Paul, it did…and still does!

No matter what circumstances we find ourselves in, the gospel will flourish. While in prison, Paul and Silas encountered the Philippian jailer with the gospel and his whole household came to faith. Paul and Silas remained in the jail after a great earthquake shook the foundations of the prison and opened the doors (Acts 16:26). Their conduct led the Philippian jailer to ask how he could be saved (v. 30).  They shared the gospel (vv. 31-32) and he and his whole family believed and were baptized (vv. 33-34).  The magistrates and police apologized after Paul confronted them and released them. Even then, they continued to share the gospel unafraid.  

Paul knew Christ could redeem his circumstances.  He persevered, desiring the Philippian believers to understand that his circumstances advanced the gospel.  Perhaps he was preparing them for their adversities?  His hardship didn’t hinder his gospel work – it furthered it! From his imprisonments in Jerusalem to Rome, Paul was blazing gospel trails he otherwise would not have seen without persecution.  While those who threw Paul in jail thought they had stopped his gospel efforts, they advanced them!  We often think and even ask God to keep us from persecution. Perhaps it’s how the gospel spreads the fastest? While the gospel cannot be stopped, persecution seems to advance it rapidly. May we not stop spreading Jesus when trouble comes. May we use our adversities to expand the spread of the Good News!

Questions for the Head (Think)

• Do you have a gospel-advancing perspective during hardships? 

Reflection for the Heart (Worship)

• Reflect on tough times you are or may be facing.  Ask God to allow you to spread the gospel and not drown in your emotions and feelings.  

Action for the Hands (Do)

• Whom can you serve during a difficult time to share Jesus with them?  Ask the Lord to help you see gospel opportunities in tough times.