Philippians 1:12-14 When Things Go Wrong

But I want you to know, brethren, that the things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel, so that it has become evident to the whole palace guard, and to all the rest, that my chains are in Christ; and most of the brethren in the Lord, having become confident by my chains, are much more bold to speak the word without fear. [Philippians 1:12-14 NKJV] 

Here's a little background. Philippians was written by Paul while he was under arrest in Rome. Having been taken by the Jews in the temple (they threatened to kill him) Paul was "rescued" by Roman soldiers who put him in chains and led him off (Acts 21). He was taken to Caesarea (on the coast of Israel) where he spent the next two years in local prison (Acts 22-24). Then, having appealed to Caesar, he was taken to Rome, where he stayed for two years (Acts 25-28).

Paul's situation in Rome wasn't as dire as it might have been. Instead of a dungeon and chains, he was able to rent a house. He was under house arrest, with a soldier guarding him. In these circumstances, he was able to receive visitors, and was free to preach the gospel without restraint. As a result, many people heard the gospel and came to Christ, including some of the palace guard, and Caesar's household.

In writing to the Philippians, Paul is letting them know that his imprisonment is working to further the kingdom of God through the preaching of the gospel.

In his letter to the Romans, Paul said, "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose." [Romans 8:28 NKJV]

The example of Paul's life illustrates that God's idea of good may not always be our idea of good. Consider that Paul was beaten by the Jews and nearly killed. He was arrested; not because he committed a crime, but because he was the victim of mob violence. He waited in prison in Caesarea for two years while his jailer waited for a bribe. His only reason to appeal to Caesar was to avoid being killed by the Jews. On the voyage to Rome, he was shipwrecked, then bitten by a snake. After finally arriving in Rome, he waited two years in captivity before being able to finally make his case and be released.

I think that many of us, if we went through those trials, would feel like we have a target on our back. We may begin to wonder if God has forgotten about us.

But Paul understood that God works all thing out for the furtherance of His kingdom - not for our comfort. I often hear Christians quote the above verse when things go wrong, fully expecting their circumstances to quickly improve. For example, I recently heard a testimonial from a man who had lost a job, then when he immediately got a better job, it was vindication that the promise was true.

But what about the people who don't immediately see improvement. Maybe the better job doesn't come along. They might have to take a pay cut just to find work. When we are taught that "all things working together" means that our circumstances will always improve, it give the wrong impression of God. He is not a genie granting wishes. He does not promise that things will always be easy. Some lose faith in God because He doesn't meet their expectations.

Sometimes in life, things seem to go from bad to worse, just as it did for Paul. The test for us is to continue to trust in God. Even when things are hard, and we don't see a solution for our lives, we have to trust that God is in control, and working all things for the good of His kingdom.

Father, I thank you that you will work all things for good. Forgive my complaining, and open my eyes to see the greater good for your kingdom, even when it doesn't look good for me.