For the Gospel

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 "hey, at least this will advance the gospel of Christ!" Don't get me wrong, because there IS a season to mourn and grieve loss, disappointment and set-back. There is a season to be angry and question during these momentous times of great challenge. But there also needs to be a time to allow God to not only use these challenging times in our life, but to use how we respond to these events to bring Glory to Himself and to show others how they can come to Him, through His Son Jesus, to experience a loving, close, personal and intimate relationship with Him. Through this experience they can find comfort and peace in order to see that their "issue" can, indeed, "advance the Gospel."