I read with interest the introductory words of the Apostle Paul in Philippians 1:12 when he talks of his own personal hardship and possible disappointments, sadness, and struggles. He said in verse 12 , "Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel." I honestly don't know if I could say those words with full assurance while sitting in prison especially when I know I haven't committed any crime or broke any law. I wonder how many of us, when faced with a set-back, illness, job loss, or other life-challenging situation, would step back and happily exclaim "well, at least this will advance the gospel of Christ!" Don't get me wrong, because as we know from the book of Ecclesiastes, Chapter 3, there IS a season to mourn and to grieve loss, to weep because of disappointment and set-backs. There is also a season to be angry and to ask questions during these momentous times of
Clever, Missouri (Christian County)