“The Lord is always at work in our weakness.”
Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – February 7, 2026
I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel, so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to all the rest that my imprisonment is for Christ. 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 1:12-14, ESV
In light of the trials and sufferings St Paul endured, I find his words in Philippians 1 truly remarkable and only possible through the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit, causing his perspective on his life situation to be transformed. It is only through the Lord at work in his life that he can find himself imprisoned for Christ and rejoice in his situation. He isn’t simply making the best of a tough time, as we might say, but sees the Lord’s providential hand at work, advancing the gospel and emboldening others to proclaim the good news of salvation.
Can you and I learn to see the world through the same lens?
When I face challenges of any kind, be it financial, physical, or emotional, my first response is often one of confusion or frustration. Perhaps I have an easy target to blame for my problems. “If they hadn’t done that, none of this would have happened!” Or, perhaps I am quick to blame myself, “If only I’d thought this through more fully, all of this could have been avoided.” These are my natural responses, born out of a fallen desire for comfort or self-protection. What I long for is a supernatural vision that says, “All things are under the Lord’s care, and I trust that even in this challenging situation, his kingdom is advancing in and through me.”
This last point is so important and yet the focus can so easily be blurred. It isn’t just that the Lord is with us in our trials to comfort and console, though this is true. It’s that the gospel advances and many souls are brought near to the Lord when we are faithful in our trials. He loves us, yes, but longs to see us participate in his healing mission, and in the mystery of his ways, this is often accomplished in and through our most difficult seasons. What falls to us is the daily invitation to see how he is working in our weakness, turning all things to good and using them for his glory and the outpouring of blessing upon our world.
Prayer
Father, remind us today that all things are under your care, and that wherever we find ourselves in this moment, it is not a surprise to you and is for us an invitation to see your kingdom come in this place at this time, for the good of your people and the growth of your kingdom in our midst, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Application
How can Paul’s witness in Philippians 1 help you to see your own weakness or trials through the light of the coming kingdom of God?
Related Reading
Genesis 50:20; Romans 5:3-4; 2 Corinthians 12:9
Worship Resource
Shane & Shane feat. John Piper: Though You Slay Me
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