In 2018, pastor Tan Flippin had a cycling accident that landed him in the hospital with fractures to his hip. When the doctors ordered a CT scan to check for a concussion, they discovered a large malignant tumour on the front of his brain. The discovery led to a long medical journey with more masses found and extensive treatments performed—including a bone marrow transplant. Flippin believes that “God allowed the accident for my brain tumour to be found.”
Paul told the Philippians that God can use accidents and other adversities for His glory. The apostle was under Roman house arrest, awaiting trial for a capital offence before the emperor Nero. Rather than being sad, Paul rejoiced. How could he be joyful? He counted being “in chains for Christ” (Philippians 1:13) as a privilege (v. 29). Next, looking at his adversity from God’s perspective, Paul said, “What has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel” (v. 12 ). He used his incarceration as an opportunity to share the gospel with the guards chained to him. Finally, as he preached the good news of Jesus while in bondage, his example encouraged other believers “to proclaim the gospel without fear” (v. 14).
When adversity comes, let’s trust God’s perspective and believe that—even from what’s difficult—He can bring something good.
By Marvin Williams
REFLECT & PRAY
How did you respond to a recent challenging situation? How can you embrace God’s point of view and see Him working it out for good?
Heavenly Father, please use my challenging moments to bring out Your will in my life.
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
False teachers masquerading as apostles in the Corinthian church sought to discredit Paul’s ministry and authority (2 Corinthians 11:1-15). They falsely charged that he wasn’t a true apostle and claimed he was dishonest, lacked official letters of authorization (2:17-3:6), was weak and unimpressive in appearance and speech (10:10), and lacked ecstatic spiritual experiences (12:1-10 ). In his defence, the apostle highlighted the hardships, imprisonments, and beatings he endured for the gospel (1:8-10; 6:4-10; 11:23-27) and argued that his suffering authenticated his apostleship and ministry (see Acts 9:15-16).
In his letter to the Philippian church, Paul told them that his imprisonment had “actually served to advance the gospel” (1:12) by strengthening their faith and emboldening them to proclaim Christ without fear (vv. 12-14). Just as Jesus willingly embraced suffering, He can help us possess “the same mindset as Christ Jesus” (2:5) even during suffering and trials.
K. T. Sim
Our mission is to make the life-changing wisdom of the Bible understandable and accessible to all.
