Reflections on Philippians 1:12: Arranged circumstances

Gerry E. Chartier

Have you ever had the experience of coming upon some bewildering situation on the road of life, wondering if you may have taken a wrong turn somewhere along the way? Perhaps, like the apostle Paul, you came to realize in time that you were actually where you were meant to be and that God Himself was the One who had directed you there.

In the circumstances surrounding the writing of Paul's letter to the Philippians, we see God arranging the affairs in Paul's life so that what is most advantageous to God's purposes might be accomplished.

Paul wrote to the Philippian church from prison. Had he not been confined at that particular time, he may have visited rather than written. If he had, this excellent letter might not have become part of the New Testament.

Paul's attitude while in chains reflects his perception of God's sovereignty and his understanding of God's plan to bring about beneficial results through adverse circumstances: "What has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel." He wrote with all the insightfulness of one who had learned firsthand that God does indeed work all things together for the good of His kingdom and for all those who are a part of it.

It is vital to God's purpose that we, at all times, submit oursleves to His control, and accept with grace all that He has planned for us.

This one is by Gerry E. Chartier of Nanaimo, B.C.

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