We know God works everything together for good for those who love Him.

I take great comfort knowing God knows everything and that He is using even the bad I experience for my ultimate good. I have seen this repeatedly in my life, and for this I am grateful.

Today, I want to turn this around. Can I use the difficulties of my life to produce good for others?

We have a wonderful example of this in the Apostle Paul. In the letter to the Philippians, he used his trouble (imprisonment at Rome and possible execution) as a blessing to the believers in Philippi who were experiencing their own trouble.

Philippi, as part of the Roman province of Macedonia, faced demands for loyalty to the emperor. The colony had been founded by the emperor and required complete loyalty, even to the point of calling the Emperor (Nero at the time of Paul’s imprisonment) lord and savior.

You can see how this placed a heavy load on those who know Christ is Lord and Savior.

Paul used his suffering as a way to help the Philippians in their suffering.

What did Paul do and what can we do to help others in their suffering?

First, we can be thankful in all things. Paul went out of his way to express thanks for the gifts, prayers, and thoughtfulness of the Philippians. He expressed his joy at their faith.

Second, we can emphasize our future in Christ. We can help the people around us know that God is with us now in suffering and that we will be with Him in glory. As Paul said to the Romans, “For this slight, momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison” (2 Corinthians 4:17).

Third, we can use our experiences to teach and encourage others. The believers in Philippi faced difficult days but so did Paul. Paul used his trouble to encourage the saints in Philippi.

Finally, we can give words of hope. Can you imagine what it meant to the believers when Paul told that his imprisonment was bringing about good? Paul assured them what he suffered had served to advance the gospel, “so that it has become known throughout the whole Praetorian guard” that his imprisonment was for Christ (Philippians 1:13).

At the end of the letter Paul sent greetings from those in “Caesar’s household” (Philippians 4:22). If people in the praetorian guard and Caesar’s household are being saved, surely Christ is Lord and the gospel is advancing!

Let me encourage you to use your afflictions for the glory of God and for the blessings of others who need your strength and encouragement.

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aesar’s household”