“Now I would have you know, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the progress of the gospel; so that my bonds became manifest in Christ throughout the whole praetorian guard, and to all the rest; and that most of the brethren in the Lord, being confident through my bonds, are more abundantly bold to speak the word of God without fear.” (Philippians 1:12–14, ASV)
Everything that happens in life has some sort of divine purpose behind it. It is for this reason that we read things like Romans 8:28.
“And we know that to them that love God all things work together for good, even to them that are called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28, ASV)
Now we may not enjoy everything that happens to us in life, but God does have purpose in it. As some of you may or may not know, a few months ago I was diagnosed with bladder cancer and underwent two surgeries. I am now undergoing a series of preventative chemo treatments. Honestly, this ordeal is not something that I wanted. However, I know that God is doing something through this.
Paul here indicated that while imprisoned, likely in Rome, there were two positive things that resulted from his confinement. First, he stated that he was able to present the gospel to those who guarded him. Second, he also stated that other believers had become emboldened to proclaim the message without fear because of his imprisonment.
In my situation, we really do not know all the ways the Lord is using this for his glory. One of the things that happened is that a multitude of believers in several churches in the country have encouraged me and supported me in prayer. I have had an opportunity to share a bit of my story with my various care givers. Moreover, many who are going through similar diagnoses have approached me to discuss their issues which has been mutually encouraging.
We may never know in this life exactly all that the Lord has done through our trials and tribulations. I hope they may be revealed in heaven. However, this I do know. Our God has a plan and it has everything to do with eternal blessings. Paul wrote,
“For our light affliction, which is for the moment, worketh for us more and more exceedingly an eternal weight of glory; while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.” (2 Corinthians 4:17–18, ASV)
Renewing the Heart 