Philippians 1:12-14  Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually advanced the gospel, so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard, and to everyone else, that my imprisonment is because I am in Christ. Most of the brothers have gained confidence in the Lord from my imprisonment and dare even more to speak the word fearlessly. (CSB)

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In the category of What Does This Make Possible, how I handle my problems by the grace of God and in his strength, others become stronger and more courageous.

To be sure, I would much rather have fewer and less intense problems. But if my problems can be used by God to empower others for faithful living and fruitful service, bring them on! This seems to sum up Paul’s message here in these verses. 

Because of Paul’s imprisonment, a rather challenging problem, the good news about Jesus made its way “throughout the whole imperial guard, and to everyone else.” Other Christian leaders “gained confidence in the Lord” from Paul’s imprisonment. Apparently, by not whining and instead by expressing praise and thanksgiving, Paul became so influential that others dared “more to speak the word fearlessly.”

I came home from a meeting in Waco this week with an earache, a sinus infection, and a lung infection. My bride and I were supposed to be on top of a mountain in Utah this weekend, chilling and watching it snow. Instead, she is preparing to have brunch with a friend and take our granddaughter to the park. I will do the laundry. 

My coworker had a cancer scare a few years ago. She considered it an opportunity to talk to doctors, nurses, and every person in the medical community about what it means to live in Christ. She wanted them to know the truth of what Paul says in verse 21 in this chapter:

For me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.

She was a little disappointed she didn’t have cancer. She asked God if it was because she would not have represented him well. For the record, I have never considered a dread disease from that perspective. I have so much to learn.

Paul handled his problems in such a manner that it accelerated the expansion of the good news of the Kingdom of God. Here is a growth area for us all. 

What’s your problem? How can you bear it with such grace that everyone who knows about it is encouraged, strengthened, and brought into a deep and abiding walk with God?

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I will learn to live my problems as opportunities for Kingdom advancement. 

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Our Father, empower me to think about my problems as opportunities. Help me to keep asking the question, “What does this make possible?” Continue answering this prayerful question with results beyond the limits of my imagination. Amen.