Todaywe are continuing in Philippians 1and we will be looking at verses 12–18 overthe next few days. Here in verse 12 we are talking about when life does notgo as planned—when your plans fall apart and it seems like nothing ishappening the way you dreamed or thought God intended for your life. You mayfind yourself wondering, “What is this all about?”

TheApostle Paul could have asked that same question, but he looked at it in adifferent light. He begins talking about his circumstances here in verse 12. “But I want you to know, brethren, that thethings which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of thegospel"

Thinkabout it—Paul is in prison. He is in chains. He is restricted. His plans havebeen interrupted. If I remember correctly, he had even planned to go on toSpain, but now he is in a prison in Rome. He is writing to his beloved friendsthere at Philippi. Yet he says that what has happened to him, as he sits in aRoman prison, has actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel. It hashelped move the gospel forward.

Youknow, my friend, life does not always go as we plan it. The truth is, God isstill on the throne. God is still at work. Even in our setbacks, even in ourdisappointments, even in situations we would never choose for ourselves, Godcan use it all. What looks like a detour to us is often part of God’s designand God’s plan.

Oneof the best stories in the Bible that illustrates this is the story of Joseph.God had a plan for Joseph to save his family. Even as a child, he began to havevisions and dreams of how God was going to use him in a special way. One day,he went to check on his ten brothers. What he saw was not good. He returned andgave his father, Jacob, an honest report about them, but it was not a good one.As a result, his brothers—already envious of him because he seemed to be theirfather’s favorite—grew to hate him.

Later,when they had the opportunity at Dothan, they threw him into a pit. At first,they even considered killing him, but instead they sold him into slavery andmade money on him. Joseph ended up in Egypt. Now obviously things were notgoing according to Joseph’s plans. He had seen visions and dreams ofgreatness—of the stars and even his family bowing before him. Yet now he was aslave in Potiphar’s house.

Fora time, things went well. But then Potiphar’s wife tried to seduce him. Herefused, and she falsely accused him. As a result, he was thrown into prison.Again, things did not seem to be going well. Yet even there, the hand of theLord was with him, and he made the best of his situation. Eventually, as youknow, he was brought before Pharaoh. He interpreted Pharaoh’s dreams and waselevated to a position of authority—second only to Pharaoh in all of Egypt.

Yearslater—about twenty-two years later—his brothers came to Egypt to buy foodduring the famine. Joseph recognized them, and instead of seeking revenge, hehelped them. He provided for them and eventually brought his entire family toEgypt. After their father Jacob died, his brothers feared that Joseph mightfinally take revenge. They came to him and pleaded for forgiveness. But Josephsaid, “No, no. You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good.”(Genesis 50:19-20)

Myfriend, when your plans fall apart and life does not go as expected, rememberthis: God still has a plan. God is still at work. He can use you right whereyou are, no matter what your circumstances may be. As you think about thesethings today, be encouraged—God is still on the throne.

Godbless and may you have a wonderful, wonderful day!