Hard Time Can Be Good Time

We know that Paul wrote this letter to the Philippians while he was in prison because of sharing the gospel of Jesus.  On the surface it would be easy to think that prison time would be wasted time.  Paul wasn’t able to travel and share the gospel in new places.  However, God used Paul’s time in prison in a very productive way.  Here is what Paul writes in verses 12-14: “ ¹² But I want you to know, brethren, that the things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel, ¹³ so that it has become evident to the whole palace guard, and to all the rest, that my chains are in Christ; ¹⁴ and most of the brethren in the Lord, having become confident by my chains, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.” Paul is turning his “hard time” in to “good time” by sharing the gospel.  Paul is putting new meaning into the words “captive audience”.  Imagine being a guard for Paul…I’m sure that you would hear an earful of truth and testimony from him.  If you were chained to Paul then you wouldn’t be able to get away.  This is how God works.  When we are forced to go through difficult trials, that time is never intended to be wasted.  Paul could have had a prison inspired pity party but he chose something else.  He chose to put his life in the hands of His Savior and to continue serving Jesus.  This was not only effective for him but verse 14 tells us that Paul’s life served as an example for others.  I can imagine the others thinking, “Well, if Paul can speak the gospel while in prison for speaking the gospel, I guess I don’t have any excuse”.

I hope that you use your hard times for good times.  God is with you no matter where you are or what you are going through.  Trust in Him.  Rely on Him.  Serve Him. If you are having a pity party, check out of that party.  You might be missing a glorious opportunity to serve Jesus.  I know this from experience.  I’ve definitely missed a few opportunities because of my own selfish feelings.  Let God continue to work.  Obedience might not pull you out of the hard times but obedience allows God to use those hard times for His purposes.