Gleanings of Grace

12 Now I want you to know, brothers, that my circumstances have turned out for the greater progress of the gospel, 13 so that my chains in Christ have become well known throughout the whole praetorian guard and to everyone else, 14 and that most of the brothers, having become confident in the Lord because of my chains, have far more courage to speak the word of God without fear. 15 Some, to be sure, are preaching Christ even from envy and strife, but some also from good will; 16 the latter do it out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel; 17 the former proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition rather than from pure motives, thinking to cause me affliction in my chains. 18 What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed, and in this I rejoice.Yes, and I will rejoice, 19 for I know that this will turn out for my salvation through your prayers and the provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, 20 according to my earnest expectation and hope, that I will not be put to shame in anything, but that with all boldness, Christ will even now, as always, be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death. 

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Unfavorable Circumstances Serving the Gospel

Paul shows how his imprisonment served the progress of the Gospel. What could have limited his ministry instead became a means for the Gospel to spread. His chains became well known to the praetorian guard and to everyone else in Rome. Rather than silencing the message, his imprisonment gave it greater visibility. Indeed, Paul was God’s chosen instrument who was to bear witness to His name before the Gentiles (Acts 9:15).

Early this year, things started to crumble for me—unfruitful business, unanswered prayers, uncertain income. Eventually, these led me to take a two-month ministry leave. I wasn’t sure if I could still afford to serve. Well-meaning friends shared their thoughts, but deep down, I knew I needed to step back. 

In the uncertainty, I worked longer hours trying to build a business plan. I’ve always wanted to build something that’s mine. I thought this was finally the time to pursue it. But over time, God began reshaping my desires.

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Unfavorable Circumstances Strengthening the Church

Paul’s chains also strengthened the confidence of other believers. Instead of retreating, many became more bold to speak the word of God without fear—even if it meant suffering. Paul’s suffering did not weaken the church, but strengthened it instead.

My ministry break led me back to God’s Word more intentionally.

During this time, God quietly opened small doors for me to serve younger women in informal ways. And somewhere in that season, this blog—Gleanings of Grace—was born, with the hope of encouraging others to love God’s Word.

Little by little, God’s direction became clearer.

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Kingdom Over Self

As more people spoke the word of God, Paul distinguished two kinds of preachers—those who preach Christ from envy, strife, and selfish ambition, and those who do so from goodwill and love. Some preached Christ out of selfish ambition, causing Paul affliction. Others did so out of love with sincerity—building God’s name, not theirs. Though their motives differed—whether in pretense or in truth, Paul focused on one thing: Christ was being proclaimed.

After two months, God finally opened the door for better provision. It is not much, but enough for present needs.

Around this time, something also became clearer to me: time is my most valuable currency.

I reached a point where I no longer minded earning less if it meant having more time for God’s Word and His work. I laid down my plans to build my business and surrendered them to God—trusting that if it is His will, He will bring it to fruition in His time.

My priority is His kingdom.

I also began adjusting my ministry commitments to align more closely with the burdens I believe God has placed on my heart, and the ways He may be shaping me to serve.

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Paul remained submitted to God’s will even in suffering. He fully entrusted his life to the Gospel, even when earthly deliverance was not certain, recognizing that God works through the prayers of the saints and the provision of the Spirit. His focus was not his condition but the progress of the Gospel and that Christ would be magnified in his life, and even in his death.

I still have much to learn.

As I enter a new season of ministry, I pray that I would grow in boldness—not serving for self-interest, but for God’s kingdom. That I would help strengthen the church and serve the Gospel faithfully, even in unfavorable circumstances. That, likewise, Christ would be magnified in my life, and even in my death.

And through it all, may I continue asking:

• Am I viewing my circumstances through the lens of faith?
• Do I see them as opportunities for the Gospel?
• How bold am I in living and speaking for Christ?
• In what ways am I strengthening others to do the same?
• What drives my actions—self-interest, or God’s kingdom?