What Has Happened To Me

In Paul’s letter to the Philippians, we find tenderness: “Every time I think of you,” In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy,” “I have you in my heart,” I love you with the affection of Christ Jesus.” The letter expresses Paul’s love, concern, and encouragement for these believers. But he also answers some questions that these believers had. “Why had God allowed Paul to be in prison instead of out there preaching the gospel?” Paul answers with these words: “Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel. As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. And because of my chains, most of the brothers and sisters have become confident in the Lord and dare all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear” (Philippians 1:12-14).

This unfortunate thing of me being arrested and sent to Rome has actually served to advance the Kingdom of God. Can you believe that right here under Caesar’s nose, the Praetorium Guard is receiving the gospel along with many others? Not only that, but because I am here in this prison, it has inspired the brothers and sisters of Rome to share their faith boldly.

Is this not the greatest example of God’s sovereign grace? God was behind the Jewish conspiracy to have Paul arrested and the order to have him sent to Rome to be tried by Caesar—at least God was working in all of it for his glory. Nothing escapes God’s attention. Of course, Paul was a willing vessel for God to work with. This could not have happened if Paul had been wallowing in a sea of self-pity and resentment. But Paul chose to believe God was still directing his life; that is why he says, “I am in chains for Christ.”

What chains do you find around your life? In what prison have you landed? Have you submitted to God’s hand? If you do, he will use your circumstances for his glory and the advance of the gospel.

Paul knows living for God is not easy, but he also knows that having a good attitude helps, so he says: “Let your attitude be the same as Christ Jesus” (Phil 1:5). Then Paul beautifully explains how Christ laid aside his heavenly place of power and majesty to become a servant to save us. So Paul says,

“Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky” (Philippians 2:14-15). This is not easy, but it is our goal to live each day this way.

Jeremiah’s Complaint

Jeremiah is perplexed. He has some things that are bothering him, and he wants to get them out, so he tells God what is on his mind. The truth is God already knew what was on Jeremiah’s mind. Jeremiah begins by saying that God is always right. Does he really believe that? I think he does, and his life is a testimony to his belief, None-the-less he has a complaint for God:

Jeremiah 12:1-2 You are always righteous, O Lord, when I bring a case before you. Yet I would speak with you about your justice: Why does the way of the wicked prosper? Why do all the faithless live at ease? You have planted them, and they have taken root; they grow and bear fruit. You are always on their lips but far from their hearts.

Jeremiah wants to know:

•  How can you let evil people prosper?

•  How is it that you allow them to have it so good?

•  Why are crooks allowed to rip people off and get away with it?

•  Why would you let hypocrites get by with wrong?

Jeremiah believes he deserves an answer to this dilemma. Can you explain this apparent inconsistency to me, God? He expected God to explain how he could be sovereign and holy while human depravity exists side by side and God seems to ignore it. Jeremiah seems to be demanding an answer from God on this subject.

But God’s Answer Was Much Different

Jeremiah 12:5 “If you have raced with men on foot and they have worn you out, how can you compete with horses? If you stumble in safe country, how will you manage in the thickets by the Jordan?

God was saying to Jeremiah, "If you can’t handle what is going on now, how do you expect to handle what’s in store for you tomorrow?" If this blows you out of the water, what will you do when greater tests come?

• Have you developed the attitude of complaining instead of trusting God with your burdens?

• Have you fallen into the habit of wanting sympathy instead of facing the challenges that God has sent your way?

• Do you let the little things in life discourage you and keep you from seeing the big picture?

• If you complain about the simple routine God has given you, how do you expect him to give you more important tasks?

• If you stumble with a few ounces of burden, how do you expect him to give you a larger burden of responsibility?