Paul's Trials are Still Producing Fruit

James and I received a great reminder yesterday at church. The sermon was about missions, but there was something (not about missions, per se) that really struck us. Our pastor was speaking out of Romans 1 and was discussing Paul's desire to go to Rome, but was prevented from doing so. However, because he was unable to visit the Romans, he had to resort to writing them a letter, resulting in the book of Romans. If he was able to visit Rome, the book of Romans would not exist! Think about the rich theology and doctrine that we get from this amazing and wonderful book of the Bible! If it weren't for Paul's imprisonment and other circumstances which prevented him from traveling at times, we probably wouldn't have ANY of the Pauline epistles! What a great reminder of how God takes our trials and uses them for HIS glory! Of course, we often don't understand why He's allowing us to go through trials while we're in the midst of them, but it's so encouraging to see His hand at work even in our darkest and most difficult hours. I'm sure Paul would have rather been able to give his messages to their recipients in person, but because he was unable to do so, everyone for all of time to come would have access to his God-inspired wisdom and teaching and would be able to learn and grow in the knowledge of Christ! While the fruit of my trials most likely won't ever have an impact of this magnitude, they can definitely be used for God's purpose and glory. This is something we can be reminded about every time we pick up His Word and read one of these letters!

As I write this, I am reminded not only of the great encouragement we have in trials (and God's sovereignty), but of what Paul's attitude and actions said about him and his faith while he was undergoing trials. Even during times of trial, he continued to have a Christ-ward mindset.

18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. 19 For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. 20 For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope 21 that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. 22 For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. 23 And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. 24 For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? 25 But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.

26 Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. 27 And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. 28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. 29 For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. 30 And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified. (Romans 8:18-30)

Paul was always thinking about Christ and the hope that we have through Him, and He was always reminding others about this hope. Can I say the same about myself?