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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.
(Philippians 1:14, ESV)
Here is the second reason why Paul has stated that "all that has happened" to him, has "served to advance the gospel" (Philippians 1:12).  The first reason was stated in verse 13. In that verse, Paul sees that the Imperial Guard and the rest of Caesar's household, most likely the populace of servants, have heard the gospel message. Now he points out that his many trials and his imprisonment have actually emboldened other believers. There are others that are now, in confidence, "much more bold to speak the word without fear."

So often, when we go through trials, we look at the way these things might benefit us... when we go through loss, we sometimes think that this might give us an opportunity, in the future, to help someone who is going through loss. This is quite possible, but I believe that we often miss the ways our trials might be already benefiting others, as we go through these trials with the clear Grace of God.

What opportunities to share the Gospel might be right in front of us? Opportunities that are only a reality because of all that has happened to us... Also, who might be inspired to share the Gospel by watching the grace and dignity that we emanate as we go through our trials?

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