A Greater Purpose

"For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for him, since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have."
Philippians 1:29&30

In the first chapter of Paul's letter to the Philippians, he spoke to them about the fact that he was imprisoned. He was in chains, bound to a Roman guard. It doesn't seem like a fitting end to the life of a man who had spread the gospel so powerfully. It would have been better, it seems, for him to have been free so that he could have gone on proclaiming the gospel, raising up new churches, and discipling great men of God. But there is one key truth to all of this: God's plan was different. Paul would not be free, he would be bound.
    It seems harsh to say that God would cause such a seemingly great injustice. But it appears that Paul understood that he was to go to Rome to be tried before Caesar. Paul made no excuses, neither did he complain about his circumstance. He simply continued to change the world. This time, he did it, not through traveling and preaching, but by writing. Think of it this way: If Paul had not been imprisoned and bound, we may never have received the precious letters that he wrote. These epistles have become some of the most profound teachings in the life of the church. God had a greater purpose for Paul. Yes, he was able to change his world for Christ. But as a result of his chains, his words have gone on to impact countless numbers of people. He could have never imagined the magnificent plan that God had for him. It was accomplished through his sufferings.
    I say these things today, because we sometimes fail to see the greater picture. I don't want to see anyone suffer. I don't want to see Christian people suffer. But the cause of Christ is of paramount importance. Everything else does not compare to this great mission. I believe God uses suffering to further his kingdom. Jesus had to suffer for us, and we are called to share in his suffering. This is not a defeated attitude, it is a victorious one. When we see the kingdom of God as the single most important thing in our lives, the negative circumstances that cause suffering are not nearly as devastating. I believe in living in victory in Christ. I believe in walking in freedom and joy with an overcoming attitude. But even in this, there is a reality that sometimes must be faced. We may suffer.
    If you are going through circumstances that seem overwhelming, if you find yourself asking God why he would put you through such things, understand that he has a much higher purpose for your life than you have ever thought possible. The great thing is this; the suffering will pass. The seasons of life change. God will use whatever you are going through to bring glory to himself. Again, we must realize that we are called to reflect the glory of the Lord to the world in spite of the circumstances of our lives. Victory is ahead. The greater purpose of God's calling is being worked out in all of our lives. Don't believe the lies of the enemy that tell you you are failing. You are not failing, you are on the path of victory. God will use your life to change many others. This is the greater purpose.