"For you have been given not only the privilege of trusting in Christ but also the privilege of suffering for him." (Philippians 1:29, NLT)

Contrary to what we would like to believe, bad things really do happen to good people sometimes. This becomes evident as we read the Book of Acts and realize the persecution that the early church experienced. Despite the things they faced, even death, they did not waver in their faith or turn back from the Lord.

When Paul wrote about the privilege of suffering to the church at Philippi, he did not choose those words lightly. In the years following his conversion, Paul had endured severe opposition and many hardships. Even as he wrote this epistle, he was likely sitting in a Roman prison chained to a guard. He spoke from experience.

a different perspective

Paul chose to look at suffering from a different perspective than most. Rather than focusing on the things he had to endure, he chose to focus on how God was using his suffering to advance the gospel. Paul did not resent the things he had experienced for the sake of the gospel; he considered it a privilege. He viewed it as an opportunity to reach others with the message of salvation. Paul found purpose in the hardships that came his way.

"I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel, so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to all the rest that my imprisonment is for Christ. And most of the brothers, having become confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, are much more bold to speak the word without fear." (Philippians 1:12-14, ESV)

In Ephesians 6;20 Paul describes himself as "an ambassador in chains." The fact that he was a prisoner shackled to his guard did not discourage him. With a captive audience on the other end of the chain, each day became a new opportunity to boldly share the salvation message.

Not only did Paul's chains give him the opportunity to witness, but the confidence of his fellow believers also increased as they observed Paul's response to all that he faced. They in turn became bolder in their own witness. Paul's faith and courage in this time of adversity ignited their faith.

our testimony

Although we may never face the same hardships and sufferings that Paul endured, we will face times of adversity, heartache, discouragement, and pain. Our faith may be tested, but we need not despair. We can find purpose in our pain. God is able to use our suffering for His glory. As we persevere, our steadfast trust and faith in God will become a testimony to those around us.

"In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith - more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire - may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ." (I Peter 1:6-7, ESV)

Devotion by Mary Loudermilk