Kingdom Eyes

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

Five years ago, my husband and I struggled through one of the toughest times in our twenty-six years together. Medically speaking, Len’s prognosis was touch-and-go. Four months of excruciating pain for him. Four months of acute stress for me and the boys. Each morning, I posted an update for the hundreds of people who were praying for us. I don’t remember most of the comments, but the one that stands out in my mind is, “Your testimony is such an encouragement to us.”

Mind you, there was a lot going on behind the scenes that I didn’t share; exhaustion, fear, acute anxiety, and intense stress. Yet, in the midst of it all, God continually flooded my heart and mind with His peace, His comfort, and His strength. And that is what my daily posts focused on. Though terrifying and heart-wrenching, God’s faithfulness to us in the midst of Len’s suffering was a testimony that touched countless lives.

“There are two ways to look at every situation: how it will affect you, and how it will affect God’s Kingdom . . . if we remain self-centered, we will miss so much of what God could do through our experiences, both for us and for those around us.”¹

Though sometimes painful and faith-stretching, the experiences and hurdles God allows into our lives can become the very channels He uses to share the good news of His grace—if we are willing.

Prayer: Lord, through the good times and the hard times, may my focus always be on furthering your kingdom. Transform my messes into messages that testify to your goodness and faithfulness. Amen.

¹ Experiencing God Day by Day; Daily Devotional and Journal, by Henry & Richard Blackaby