Pastor’s Pen Pulpit

March 21, 2004

THE GOSPEL AND YOUR CIRCUMSTANCES

Philippians 1:12

Paul writes from prison:

Now I want you to know, brethren, that my circumstances have turned out for the greater progress of the Gospel.

There are no “accidents” in the Christian’s life. No “run of bad luck.” No “turns for the worse.” Paul was deeply convinced that the things, the circumstances surrounding and including his imprisonment, were on God’s agenda for him – namely, to move the gospel message into strategic areas that could be reached in no other way.

Acts 9:15,16: But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine, to bear My name before the Gentiles and kings and the sons of Israel: for I will show him how much he must suffer for my sake.”

God often uses a series of events to accomplish a single purpose. While we may view events as isolated events at the time we experience them, the sensitive mind will eventuality see them as connected as with an “invisible cord.”

While we may know theologically, at the time, that a loving, caring God is at the helm, we need to see them connected in our experience.

We all know the story of Joseph –

*He was his father’s favorite and given a coat of many colors

*His dream that one day his mother, father, and brothers would bow to him

*The anger of his brothers, which resulted in his being -

*Sold into slavery

*Betrayed by Potiphar’s wife and, as a result

*Thrown into prison

*His explanation of the dreams of Pharaoh’s butler and baker

*Elevated to a position next to Pharaoh

*Reunited to his father and brothers

His brothers were fearful of retribution from Joseph but his response was:

“And as for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive.” Genesis 50:20

In each step of Joseph’s experience I am sure he was trusting God, but it was after the fact that he saw the infinitely wise connection of those events. So with the apostle Paul. So with you and me.

Therefore in this pen pulpit let me ask each of you, how do you view the circumstances that materialize in your life? You can’t pretend they are not there– for they are!

Maybe you can explain some of them but I dare say not all of them. Joyce can’t explain why God allowed her to live her life confined to a wheelchair, or why God allowed me to suffer a massive stroke. Oh, we know what happened – but for what purpose? The only answer is lodged here in Philippians 1:12 - “For I want you to know brethren, that my circumstances have turned out for the greater progress of the Gospel.”

The things that happened to us and to the rest of you have occurred for the furtherance of the Gospel message. In some way God wants our circumstances, whatever they happen to be, to serve as a pulpit to further His Word.

Beloved, that excites me! What a challenge to wake up to each morning. Let’s make a pact together, beginning in the morning or better yet right now, let’s seek God’s face for the answer as to how our circumstances may be put to good use for the Master. O.K? God bless!

Love in our blessed Lord Jesus,