The God-given ability to reframe problems and see them in a better light is an oft-overlooked blessing that the Lord has given to us.
As we open the book of Philippians, this letter was written by the apostle Paul from prison, probably in Rome. Personally, I still find it amazing that he was able to redeem the time in prison. Honestly, I would like to think that I would use prison-time wisely and continue doing Christ’s work, but I can imagine that there would be the sinful temptation to spend the entire time complaining or wallowing in self-pity.
Not Paul. Prison gave him the necessary time to put Spirit-inspired words to papyrus in order to help many first-century churches and unbeknownst to Paul churches throughout the ages.
The apostle’s ministry was not hindered like we would anticipate. Not only this, but his time behind bars actually served to benefit Christ’s Kingdom work!
In what is possibly the greatest reframing of all time, he concluded,
“I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel” (Phil. 1:12).
Jailtime not only gave him the opportunity to write, but it emboldened others to continue to tell of Christ and His dying love. Even when Paul found out that others were preaching the gospel with faulty motives, he continued rejoicing for Jesus was being preached just the same.
Truly, there is no situation where the Lord is unable to turn matters around for His glory.
The gospel would not die with Paul behind bars, or even with him dead. Christ would build His church, through someone, somewhere, and it would prevail.
Paul was not anxiety-ridden in prison. He trusted the sovereign hand of God not only in the advancement of the gospel, but also over his own life.
While expecting to be freed, his posture was one of utter submission to the Lord’s will, knowing that there was good to come either way.
He famously concluded, “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Phil. 1:21).
Humanly speaking, death is the worst-case scenario. It is the great evil that many wish they could escape. It is probably the most commonly feared experience amongst humankind.
Yet, for the believer, the apostle points out that death is merely the entrance to glory.
To live is Christ, but to die? That is gain.
To depart and be with the One who gave His life for me, is there any better option? Truth be told, it is totally understandable to want to leave this life for what is to come is so much greater.
Yet, our love for those we would leave behind ought to keep the believer eager to live down here. If we continue on in this earthly life, we can serve Christ and be part of fulfilling His mission on earth. Certainly, there are people here whom God has us around for. There are those who we are intended to bless and impact for the cause of Christ.
What a wonderful hope to hold onto during trials. Truly the worst-case scenario is actually the best and that should carry the believer through any tribulation or suffering we experience in this earthly life—but while God has us here, He has us here for a reason.
If we can only reframe problems to see God’s hand in them, we can persevere no matter what He may send our way, for in the end we will be with Him and that is enough.
Brother Josiah thank you for this beautiful reminder from Philippians, Paul’s perspective in prison teaches us that no circumstance can hinder the gospel as he wrote “what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel” (Phil 1:12). Your words encouraged me deeply because like Paul we also face trials where it would be easy to complain but instead God calls us to trust His sovereign hand, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28). I was especially touched when you highlighted “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Phil 1:21), that truth gives us strength in this broken world knowing that whether in life or in death we belong to Christ (Romans 14:8). Thank you for faithfully sharing these insights and may the Lord bless your ministry as you point many to the hope we have in Jesus.