We all have walked through some difficult challenges in life.  Sometimes during the difficult times everything seems bleak and you can even feel hopeless.  Other times God gives us a glimpse of the rainbow through the rain.  We are blessed to be able to see the good that is happening through the difficulty we are walking through.  The reality is that God always uses our life, through good times and bad to bring about His ultimate good.  Paul went through lots of challenging times throughout his life but God gave him the gift to be able to see the beauty on the other side.  Let’s look at one such instance found in Philippians 1. 

Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel. 13 As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. 14 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. 15 It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. 16 The latter do so out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. 17 The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains. 18 But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, 19 for I know that through your prayers and God’s provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance. 20 I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. 21 For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.

Paul is in prison and facing possible execution.  He doesn’t know what will happen but no matter what he sees the good that God can use the situation to do.  If he remains in prison others are emboldened to share the gospel more.  If he is put to death, he gets to be with Jesus in heaven for eternity.  If he gets out of prison he believes that God has more important work for him to do during his time on earth.  I would pray that we might have this type of vision and attitude when life inevitably throws us difficult times as well.  Paul’s attitude makes all the difference.  He sees the work of God as more important than his individual circumstances.  If you are walking through a challenging time today ask God to show you the rainbow through the rain.

In His Grip,
Pastor Dave