And most of the brothers, having become confident in the Lord by my imprisonment,
are much more bold to speak the word without fear.

Philippians 1:14

The last two weeks, I have spoken with three fellow Christians who by doctors have been given only months to live. These are people whose lives and families have been immensely affected by physical disease. The question in these cases is always, "Why?" The answers are not so easy. Yes, sin is the cause, the ultimate cause of disease, war, all the political division that we have in our country, and every other bad thing that befalls us. That answer if sufficient and brings hope because redemption will ultimately rid God's creation of sin and death. But still, they are left with the present suffering and pain, both physical and emotional.

One would think that these Christians would be bitter as they are faced with this kind of suffering at this time in their lives. But this is not the case. I have observed a common theme in each of their lives. It runs strong and deep in their hearts, in their countenances, and in their words. It is peace.

I've also heard from their lips that this illness has served to provide them an opportunity to tell others about Christ. What a remarkable point of view! What an incredible outlook on life and death. What a position of faith this is, that amid deep suffering, to

be more concerned with the spiritual welfare of others and the glory of God, than with their own health. How have they come to this? Faith. Acceptance of God’s will: “Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven."

When Paul was in a Roman prison, he found an opportunity for the gospel. His misfortune was something that God turned around for good. In that time of extreme difficulty, Paul found an open door to share Christ with others. His response was so out of the norm, so extraordinary that the other Christians in Rome were encouraged to speak the word of God themselves boldly. As it says in Philippians 1:14, "And most of the brothers, having become confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, are much more bold to speak the word without fear."

As these believers witnessed the suffering of the apostle Paul, his joyful attitude, and his boldness to speak for Christ, they too were emboldened to tell others about Christ. The great irony is that the apostle Paul was imprisoned for preaching the gospel, and that imprisonment actually turned out for more opportunities to preach the gospel! The very thing for which he was put in prison became even more well-known in prison. 

You can see why other believers were amazed at his attitude and his actions. They were profoundly affected by his great faith and boldness to speak for Christ while being in prison for Christ. And that encouraged them to speak for Christ in their own circumstances fearlessly.

I am profoundly affected. I am encouraged to speak boldly and fearlessly for Christ because of Paul's example. It's one thing to read this in the scriptures, but it becomes all the more powerful when you actually see it lived out in the lives of others. The example closer to home of these three has had a much more profound effect. These three witnesses of grace, faith, and peace. These three whose lives seem to be shortened, from our perspective, have seen this circumstance as an opportunity to trust God implicitly. These three Christians have made it very clear that God's glory is the greatest of all things, and others coming to Christ is the most significant reason He has given us for life on this earth.