Now I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel (Philippians 1:12).

Are your life circumstances advancing the gospel? Can you see the Lord's hand in your life in such a way that all of your life experiences, joys, sorrows, hardships and training has resulted in advancing the gospel?

Paul was a tentmaker by trade. But he had an overall ministry objective in his business life. That objective left him imprisoned and persecuted at times. But Paul saw these events not as roadblocks to his mission. Rather, they were catalysts to advancing the cause of Christ. Paul's revelation of this kept him from despairing from his circumstances.

One day a little known pastor who lived in the small African nation of Benin began to pray for his Marxist president. For two years he prayed. Then the Lord told this pastor to go to meet this president to share the gospel with him. He rejected it, but after another such occasion the president accepted the gospel and became a Christian. He was removed from power but was discipled by this pastor. Some time later this same president was elected again. Today that president is now a Christian leader of a nation committed to spreading the gospel throughout his nation. One man, but millions have been affected by his obedience. This modern-day story is retold in countless lives for those willing to live for a cause greater than themselves.

Are your business and life experiences serving to advance the gospel? What experiences has God allowed in your life that are part of God's plan to advance the gospel? Ask Him to help you see your life the way He sees it. Seeing our life the way God sees it will help us avoid discouragement in those times when life appears to be a mystery to us.