In Philippians, Paul encourages us to rejoice in any and every circumstance.
Don’t you love how God chose someone “in chains” to share this truth? Paul was an experienced sufferer (2 Corinthians 11:25-29).
He was not only suffering persecution from unbelievers. Some professing Christians were also mistreating him, using his imprisonment to “stir up trouble” for him (Philippians 1:15-18).
These were probably what Matthew 13:24-30 describes as “weeds” planted by Satan among genuine believers. They were motivated by pride and jealousy, talking the talk, but not walking the walk. Their purpose was to weaken the gospel message and defeat Paul.
But Paul explains that none of his persecutors succeeded:
“Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel” (Philippians 1:12).
Paul’s chains didn’t defeat him, and neither did the “weeds.” They strengthened his faith, gave him opportunity to preach to the palace guard, and emboldened others to share Christ (Philippians 1:12-14).
When Christians face difficulties or persecution, we depend more deeply on Christ. We learn to recognize Satan’s methods and we understand the importance of putting on the full armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18). Plus we learn that God can use bad things for good (Romans 8:28).
So if you are being mistreated because of your faith, take heart! Great is your reward (Matthew 5:10-12)!
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These 1-minute devotions also share some wonderful ways that God used bad things for good in the lives of His children:
The Big Feet of Gladys Aylward
Blind but Seeing: Louis Braille
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