As I read Philippians 1 today, I landed on this verse and was convicted. How many times have I asked, “Why is this happening to me?” instead of “How is this furthering the Gospel?”

I decided to expand this thought a little further and asked myself the question, “How does praising God in the midst of the trial I am currently in, reach more for the sake of the Gospel?”

We have a unique platform when we are in the middle of suffering, especially suffering for the name of Christ. All suffering, however; connects us with others and opens the door to the hope found only in Jesus Christ.

Don’t waste that platform!

Reflection

I believe one of the greatest ways of making sure sufferings aren’t wasted is to journal.  Emotions have a way of clouding things that later become clear as we go back and read objectively. It’s also a great way to see how the hand of God has moved.  

Find a notebook or buy a journal and start keeping track of the challenges you face and how God is furthering the gospel through them.  Then share those stories with others. 

Prayer

Father teach us to watch for Your mighty hand at work especially through our sufferings.  We pray that no experience would be wasted, but instead all would be used for Your glory and furthering the gospel.  In Jesus’ name, Amen!