“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.” – Philippians 1:12-13
What’s best for God’s Kingdom and the salvation of those who don’t know the Lord isn’t always comfortable, convenient, fun, or status enhancing! Some Christians labor under the mistaken assumption that the numerous blessings we enjoy in Christ include comfortable lives free of stress and full of convenience and wealth. That’s the complete opposite of what the Bible teaches!
For Paul, the best thing for many was that he be imprisoned and have the opportunity to introduce his guards to Jesus Christ. So he was and he did. God orchestrated events so that Paul would be arrested, jailed for years, and gradually moved from Jerusalem to Rome, preaching Christ all the way. Paul didn’t seem to lament, doubt, or despair. He simply told anyone and everyone the good news that there is a Savior Who loves them, Who died to take away their sins if they would believe in Him, and Who rose from the dead and now reigns over the universe.
As followers of Jesus, we shouldn’t imagine we’re exempt from being inconvenienced, redirected, or persecuted for our faith. These things aren’t reserved for “super-Christians” like Paul. We should expect them and be prepared for them. Spend time deepening your relationship with Christ whenever things are good so you’re prepared to go even deeper when things are bad. Study the Bible when your life feels easy and comfortable so you’re ready when life doesn’t. Live prepared so that the resources of the Gospel will be yours in abundance and you too will be able to advance the Gospel when things get hard.