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Meekness Under Trial, December 11
Because of my chains, most of the brothers in the Lord have been
encouraged to speak the word of God more courageously and fearlessly.
Philippians 1:14
, N.I.V.
By his [Paul’s] example, Christians were impelled to greater energy as ad-
vocates of the cause from the public labors of which Paul had been withdrawn.
In these ways were the apostle’s bonds influential, so that when his power and
usefulness seemed cut off, and to all appearance he could do the least, then it
was that he gathered sheaves for Christ in fields from which he seemed wholly
excluded.
Before the close of that two years’ imprisonment, Paul was able to say, “My
bonds in Christ are manifest in all the palace, and in all other places” (
Philippi-
ans 1:13
), and among those who sent greetings to the Philippians he mentions
chiefly them “that are of Caesar’s household” (
chap. 4:22
).
Patience as well as courage has its victories. By meekness under trial, no
less than by boldness in enterprise, souls may be won to Christ. The Christian
who manifests patience and cheerfulness under bereavement and suffering, who
meets even death itself with the peace and calmness of an unwavering faith, may
accomplish for the gospel more than he could have effected by a long life of
faithful labor. Often when the servant of God is withdrawn from active duty, the
mysterious providence which our shortsighted vision would lament is designed by
God to accomplish a work that otherwise would never have been done.
Let not the follower of Christ think, when he is no longer able to labor openly
and actively for God and His truth, that he has no service to render, no reward
to secure. Christ’s true witnesses are never laid aside. In health and sickness, in
life and death, God uses them still. When through Satan’s malice the servants of
Christ have been persecuted, their active labors hindered, when they have been
cast into prison, or dragged to the scaffold or to the stake, it was that truth might
gain a greater triumph. As these faithful ones sealed their testimony with their
blood, souls hitherto in doubt and uncertainty were convinced of the faith of Christ
and took their stand courageously for Him. From the ashes of the martyrs has
sprung an abundant harvest for God....
The apostle and his associate workers might have argued that it would be vain
to call to repentance and faith in Christ the servants of Nero.... But Paul did not
reason thus; in faith he presented the gospel to these souls, and among those who
heard were some who decided to obey at any cost. Notwithstanding obstacles and
dangers, they would accept the light, and trust God to help them let their light
shine forth to others.—
The Acts of the Apostles, 464-466
.
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