Word:  But I want you to know, brethren, that the things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel. Philippians 1:12

Thought: Many of our thoughts over the last 2 days were on Nabeel Qureshi and why did the Lord bring death on him at this young age serving the Lord. Paul writes it clearly that suffering which happen might be to advance the Gospel of Christ as he was able to extend the gospel to the prison when he was arrested. We might be going through tough situations which might be small or big (Loss of a job, no promotions, difficulty in finding a partner, not able to bear a child, diseases, loosing a loved one and the list is big and different for many of us), but in the midst of it we need to understand the plan and purpose of God in it. Many a times we just want God to release us from the situation and pray about it rather than waiting for His will to happen and glorify him in the situation. You might be a dark period of your life, but in the period seek God to ask the purpose He wanted you to pass through it and understand what He wants you to do in the situation – we might be called to be a testimony to people who are going through the same suffering, there might be people who are encouraged seeing you joyful in the midst of troubles. We are sure the life of Nabeel would not be a life of vain, but speak to a lot of people for generations to come. Let us also submit us to God in the time of Suffering that we might allow the furtherance of the Gospel of Christ through it.

Prayer: Dear Lord, grant me your strength to endure the suffering and help me to understand you plan and purpose in my suffering for the furtherance of the Gospel and the expansion of your kingdom in the place where you have placed me.