Going through a tough time?  Are you in the midst of a trial now and it seems like a setback on your walk of faith?  Paul writing from the midst of situation that most of us would consider a setback shares these words in Philippians 1:12-13,

Phil 1:12 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.

Paul wrote the letter to the Philippians while he was imprisoned in Rome as he waited for his court appearance before Caesar.  He had been arrested as a direct result of sharing the gospel and following God’s call in his life.  Paul’s mission and resolve to share the gospel was not deterred by this situation.  Paul refused to let his circumstances impact his faith; rather he let his faith impact his circumstances.  During times of persecution Paul continued to trust in the Lord.  He continued to share the good news that Jesus lives, Jesus loves and saves to the uttermost!  Even prison became a platform for proclaiming the gospel!  The difficult times Paul encountered served to advance the Kingdom.

Going through a tough time?  Are you in the midst of a difficult situation?  Will it be a time in which you step back or will it be a time in which you step up?  Difficult times can serve as opportunities to strengthen our faith and give us great occasions to show and share our faith.  Maybe your present situation is not a setback at all; maybe it is a chance for your faith to serve as a witness and an encouragement to those around you.  Don’t give up.  Maybe you have been placed in a position where you can show that your belief in God is not based upon always receiving blessing after blessing.  Maybe your current situation is one that will allow you to demonstrate that God is always worthy of praise and honor even in less than favorable circumstances.  Don’t let your circumstances impact your faith; let your faith impact your circumstances.  Until next time stay strong in the Lord.