Where in the World is My Joy?
Turning a Bad Hand into a Winner
There are a few things in life that are certain. I could list them for you, but no one wants to be reminded of everything that can go wrong. But, definitely we can all agree that there are days that are just not good. Sometimes, those days turn into weeks, months and years. We know that there are going to be bad hands in our lives. They are sort of inevitable.
If we cannot avoid or change a bad hand then we need to figure out how to turn a bad hand into a winner. We cannot change the hand but, maybe can change the way we look at a bad hand. If we face it in a positive way and try to find the good we can learn from the bad hand. So let’s see what Paul learned from his bad hand.
Change Your View of a Bad Hand
I want you brothers and sisters to know that what has happened to me has helped to spread the Good News. Philippians 1:12 (NCV)
Paul realizes that his struggles have helped spread the News of Jesus. Though Paul was arrested and imprisoned he used the opportunity to take the Gospel to Rome. Instead of quietly enduring Paul decided to share the truth of who Jesus was and what faith in him means. Our reaction to a bad hand shows our faith more than playing a good hand. People watch us to see our reactions to bad times.
The Table Celebrates When Anyone Beats the House
All the palace guards and everyone else knows that I am in prison because I am a believer in Christ. Because I am in prison, most of the believers have become more bold in Christ and are not afraid to speak the word of God. Philippians 1:13-14 (NCV)
Paul uses his troubles to share his faith and help others find their faith in God. We need to always remember that if the house loses we all win in a way. As Paul’s story is told other believers started to be bolder in sharing their faith. God’s story is shared with others when they follow Paul’s example of turning a bad hand into a winner as God’s story is shared with the palace.
Whether You Fold, Bluff or Win Jesus’ Story is Shared
It is true that some preach about Christ because they are jealous and ambitious, but others preach about Christ because they want to help. They preach because they have love, and they know that God gave me the work of defending the Good News. But the others preach about Christ for selfish and wrong reasons, wanting to make trouble for me in prison. But it doesn’t matter. The important thing is that in every way, whether for right or wrong reasons, they are preaching about Christ. So I am happy, and I will continue to be happy. Philippians 1:15-18 (NCV)
Paul ran into players that were jealous and trying to get somewhere by sharing their faith. It is strange to think that some people use the story of God to get rich or to hurt others. Paul encourages us to know that no matter how the story is shared it is a good thing. That is hard to thing to understand. That is why we have to realize we cannot use the gospel to hurt others or enrich ourselves. The bottom line is this: no matter why or how as long as the love of God is shared with others it is a good day.
Trust the Dealer to Give You the Ace When You Need it
Because you are praying for me and the Spirit of Jesus Christ is helping me, I know this trouble will bring my freedom. I expect and hope that I will not fail Christ in anything but that I will have the courage now, as always, to show the greatness of Christ in my life here on earth, whether I live or die. Philippians 1:19-20 (NCV)
Paul realizes that this hand he has been dealt can go one way or another. He is concerned about playing his hand to the best of his ability. He knows the believers are praying for him to stay strong. He wants to share the story of Jesus to everyone he can. He is depending on God to make the hand a winner. He wants to show the believers that they can play any hand they are given if they have faith, endurance and a community around them to encourage them.
Bad hands are a fact of life, but how we play them is also a fact of life. We can make a choice to trust the dealer to give us the cards we can play. That is what God does and how he moves in our lives. He puts us in situations to share our faith. Those cards are good and bad, that is not what matters. What matters is what you do with the cards you’re dealt.