Philippians 1: 12-13 " Now I want you to know, brethren, that my circumstances have turned out for the greater progress of the gospel, (v 13) so that my imprisonment in the cause of Christ has become well known throughout the whole praetorian guard and to everyone else."



This may seem like a weird verse to start with, BUT! Paul was on a missions journey to share the gospel, this trip was something he felt called to do. This trip was something he was passionate about, called to do, and excited about. However he didn't see being put in prison as part of the route. God did. As a result of this unexpected imprisonment though, the entire praetorian guard .... and everyone else heard about Paul and his witnessing experience was magnified by a lot!


So re-read the verse. This time think about something in your life that came about unexpectedly, maybe a project, something at work, something with your family, or friends, maybe boyfriend/girlfriend, or health or what not. SOmething maybe you didn't see ever happening to you. Now instead of the word imprisonment place whatever it is you were thinking of. The translation has pretty much the same meaning but for you, the trial you are facing has turned out for the greater progress of the gospel which is why we are here. We may have no idea how God is going to use our circumstances, we may never know. However GOd has a plan and it will be to further His kingdom! What better encouragement is there than to know the rough things we face are going to be used in so many ways for God's glory!