I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel, so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to all the rest that my imprisonment is for Christ.  And most of the brothers, having become confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, are much more bold to speak the word without fear. Philippians 1:12-14

Paul’s imprisonment served to advance the gospel. What was meant for evil, God meant for good. What trials have you endured which have given you an opportunity to advance the gospel; things that seem so hard but were used for good?

I remember my dad ordering a cup of coffee at our favorite coffee shop in Waconia called the “Frost & Steam.” Sadly, this sweet place has closed but for many years it was our ‘go to’ for coffee. On this particular afternoon, my dad asked the barista, whose name was Adam, if he would like to hear his story. As the Lord would have it, Adam was just going on break.

I had the privilege of hearing my dad share with Adam his story; how he came to faith in Christ, how he lost my mother to pancreatic cancer, how he lost his 2nd wife to complications from surgery, and how he was bearing up under a diagnosis of Parkinson’s. Adam listened and heard my dad say what a privilege he felt it was that God counted him able to withstand so much suffering for Him and how all of it had given him a platform to advance the gospel. My dad boldly shared his faith with Adam. This young man cried and thanked my dad for sharing his story.

We all have a story to share and guess what? Nothing is wasted in God’s economy. He promises in His word that, “All things work together for good to those who love Him and are called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28. This was my dad’s life verse and it is one of mine as well.

Blessings to you!