Today’s devotion is based on Philippians 1:12-30: Joy in the Journey: Week 2 (WATCH HERE)
How you deal with pain inspires others!
Philippians 1:14 – “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.”
Almost every inspiring story posted on Facebook, written about or captured on the big screen is how the hero or heroine deals with pain, adversity and suffering. Cheers erupt when the one who is oppressed rises up with strength and victory.
But it doesn’t stop with the cheers. Those that are watching are inspired to step up their game or carry the torch the injured person was carrying. Enduring, suffering, and overcoming pain and adversity is inspiring. The will to live and the will to succeed triumph when pain is over come and defeat avoided.
Pain in God’s plan is never wasted. Paul realized this. As he was writing from prison, he reveals a powerful truth: his suffering for the sake of Christ didn’t dampen the faith of others; it fueled it. His chains didn’t discourage his followers, but rather gave courage to those watching. His pain did not lead others to cower, but rather inspired boldness. Those that were afraid to proclaim the message of Jesus because of the fear of arrest, were confident to speak boldly the Gospel. Pain loses when others are inspired to preach Jesus through it!
For us, this verse shifts how we understand suffering in the life of a believer. Ironically, Paul is in prison, but he’s not a prisoner to his circumstances. He is at the mercy of the guards, but he is not controlled by his captivity. He doesn’t complain about his imprisonment or lament about missed opportunities. Instead, he rejoices that his chains have become a megaphone for the gospel. Others, seeing his unwavering commitment, have found their own voices. They “dare all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear.” What an incredible statement. Paul’s imprisonment which intended to silence him, has amplified the message.
When believers witness someone enduring hardship with faith, it stirs something within them. Courage is contagious. One person standing firm in Christ while walking through suffering often leads to others stepping forward in faith themselves. Pain, rather than being a dead end, becomes a platform. Pain, rather than making us a prisoner, releases us to rely fully on the strength and power of the Lord. Pain, rather than limiting our options or abilities, becomes a position of strength to speak of the goodness of God.
Satan would love us to think that our struggles disqualify us from influencing others. We imagine that only strong, “put-together” people can lead or inspire. But Paul’s example proves otherwise. It was not in his comfort, but in his chains, that he became most powerful in his witness.
Have you considered that your pain may be the very thing God uses to encourage someone else? Your story of faith while enduring the hardship of suffering might be what someone else needs to believe that God is faithful in theirs. Your endurance through a broken season can be the reason someone finds the strength to keep going.
That doesn’t mean we pursue suffering or pretend it isn’t painful. Paul never glorified prison for its own sake or minimized the discomfort. Rather, he recognized that, in God’s hands, his imprisonment was being used for a divine purpose. And that purpose extended beyond his personal story to impact the church at large.
So today, don’t hide your scars. Let your pain tell a story of God’s sustaining grace. Speak boldly, even if your voice trembles. People are watching, not out of judgment, but because they’re looking for hope. When they see Christ in you amid trial, they may just find the courage to trust Him more deeply themselves.
Apply: Ask the Lord to change your perspective on your challenges that they might become a platform of Gospel proclamation!
Prayer:
Lord, thank You that You use even my pain for Your glory. Help me to see my struggles as opportunities to inspire courage in others. May my life point to You, not just in my victories, but in my valleys. Give me boldness to proclaim the gospel, and may my faith spark boldness in those around me. Amen.