I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel. (Philippians 1:12 ESV)
A Plan
Many years ago, when first attempting to meet my wife, I pushed open a door into her face, and knocked her to the ground. It was embarrassing, painful, and the Worst Event of the Day.
But while I did not do it purposefully, it caused a conversation. Which led to another conversation. Which led to working in the kitchen at a church soup social event. Which led to a ride to a concert. Which led to a date. Which led to commitment. Which led to, “I do” times two.
Paul in prison understood that even difficult things like time in prison are part of King Jesus’ plan to spread His gospel. There is always a plan, in the mind and action of THE true planner.
While others might wonder about hard times… we know there is a plan. We know there is a gospely plan. We know that King Jesus is at work, even in an embarrassing door moment, or a thunderstorm, or a lost job, or a down-turning economy, or a political defeat, or a bad day… or even in a good day!
We are peculiar, King Jesus has a plan that includes us.