Challenge: Inspiration

Now I want you to know, brethren, that my circumstances have turned out for the greater progress of the gospel, so that my imprisonment in the cause of Christ has become well known throughout the whole praetorian guard and to everyone else, so that most of the brethren, trusting in the Lord because of my imprisonment, have far more courage to speak the word of God without fear.  Phil 1:12-14 NASB

How does my reaction to adversity affect the attitudes of others and their anticipation of adversity?  As I stop to consider such a thought, two possibilities come to mind.  This is not an exhaustive list, by any  means, but these are the two that convict me this morning. 

1. Others looks at me as I struggle through adversity and promise to pray me through it.  Their prayer life might be strengthened as they go to their knees on my behalf.  But, they see my adversity simply as a struggle they pray they never have to endure.  OR…
2. My adversity becomes motivation.  Others look at me and hunger for the growth and kingdom success that they are seeing worked in and through me.  They don’t necessarily relish the adversity itself, but if that’s what it takes to see such victory, then bring it on!

I usually live in the first possibility.  I endure adversity and struggles.  I push through them, hoping and praying that God will be glorified and that my faith and the faith of others will grow.  But, no one is motivated through my adversity.

Paul inspired other believers to great boldness in his imprisonment.  And, it didn’t stop with the end of his life.  As I read about it even today, I am inspired.  I hunger to grow bolder.  I long to follow in his footsteps.

May I learn to handle all adversity according to this example.  May my response inspire boldness in others.  And may the kingdom of God grow because of my attitude!