Philippians 1:12 – “Now I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel.”

I often talk about the mistake we make of reading the Scriptures through the lens of hindsight.  It is natural and normal, but it’s a mistake because the adage is true, hindsight usually is 20/20.

The passage of time broadens our perspective and allows us to see a bigger, fuller picture.

When we ONLY look at the Scriptures through this lens we miss much of the power of the narrative because we overlook the humanity and faith of the people involved.

When we read the Scripture through the hindsight lens we read statements like the one Paul made in verse 12 that’s quoted above as factual.

It is true and factual that what happened to Paul served to advance the gospel.  We can easily see that now.

But, in spite of the example he gives, Paul could have no way of knowing how true his words really were.

This statement by Paul is as much a statement of faith as it is fact.

Paul knew that in every circumstance he faced, God was opening a door for him to be used to share the message of Jesus.

Even if that door was the door of jail cell.

Here’s the kicker – because of Paul’s choice to view his life this way, his statement of faith became a self-fulfilling prophecy.

It is very common for us to share with those around us stories of things that have happened to us.

And we have all been moved by stories where God has used incredible times of brokenness and tragedy in other’s lives for his redemptive purposes to bring about good in the world and, ultimately, advance the Gospel.

Juxtaposed to those moments  are all the conversations we have with people (including, perhaps especially Christians) who are searching for and hoping for some meaning or purpose to the mess they find themselves in.

Is it possible that people who have found meaning and purpose in the dark and broken moments of life were able to do so because they brought it with them?

I definitely believe so.

We shouldn’t be searching for the meaning and purpose in the suffering, but should be carrying meaning and purpose with us into those moments.

It is then we will be able to state as a matter of fact and faith, “what has happened to me has really served to advance the message of God’s love, grace, and redemption!”

Finally, check out some of Paul’s remarks at the conclusion of this first chapter:

“For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for him.”

What an amazing filter through which to view what has happened/is happening to you.

Have wonderful day!