4 Truths to believe in Chapter One
#2 … what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel, vs 12
God is able to use our circumstances to advance the gospel. No matter how difficult or challenging our situation might be, God with whom nothing is impossible can use that same situation to bring about glory to Himself in the gospel. Notice the submission of Paul in that episode. While some people preached Christ out of envy and jealousy, some preached out of love, yet Paul concluded that both achieved the same goal- Christ was preached. Paul did not fight or contend with those who preached out of envy, he allowed it, knowing that God would use that to work in the hearts of some.
Your circumstances can be turned to over to God in total submission to be used for His own glory and the advancement of the gospel. You can also intentionally use your ‘occasions’ to promote the gospel. A year anniversary, marriage anniversary, burial and other ceremonies could be used to help some to reflect on the goodness of God.
And when the situation is unpleasant, you may then bow your head before the Lord and say, ‘Be it on to me according to your word, O LORD.’