“Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually advanced the gospel …” Philippians 1:12 (CSB)

I handed my friend another tissue, her shoulders heaving as she sobbed. Her teen was in trouble with school — and with the law. She hesitantly relayed the details, seeming rather ashamed. I sympathetically interjected, “It’s OK. I understand. Our child got into trouble with the authorities at about the same age.”

Her countenance instantly changed. “Really?” she inquired. I then poured out my heart about a rough season with one of our sons, who is now a loving husband, hardworking business owner, and follower of Jesus serving in his local church. She said she never would’ve guessed he’d ever done something illegal.

We all encounter troubles in life, whether situationally, relationally, or physically. What makes the difference is how we view those troubles. Will we let them define us, or will we choose to believe God can use them to draw others to Himself?

My friend could’ve slapped the label “Horrible Mom” on her heart, but instead she allowed God to show her that troubles can draw us closer to Him. They can also enable us to share the gospel with others because of our difficult experiences.

The Apostle Paul wrote the letter of Philippians during a time of trouble — his incarceration. Yet he declared, “Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually advanced the gospel” (Philippians 1:12). He was imprisoned because of his faith in Jesus, but he didn’t let the prison bars confine and define him. He not only wrote this letter in his distressing situation but made the gospel known “throughout the whole imperial guard, and to everyone else” (Philippians 1:13, CSB).

Just like with Paul, your troubles and mine can become a tool. My childhood home was often filled with substance abuse, fear, and even violence. I’ve endured fractured adult friendships, tantrum-throwing toddlers, and rebellious teens. My marriage has experienced conflict, and my bank account has sometimes been near empty. But I have never been without a God who was ready to comfort me in my troubles and use them for good.

I’ll admit I’ve often wished for a different storyline. We all have pages in our memoirs we’d much rather tear out. But ripped-away chapters render our stories incomplete. Every scene — pleasant or painful — forms who we are, and God can use our narratives to point others to Himself.

Our very worst chapters can become God’s most effective tools. The one who once struggled with insecurity can become the one who instills confidence in others. The person who was caught in the grip of a certain sin can become the one who guides others to freedom. The student who struggled with a learning challenge can become the teacher who patiently helps her students successfully grow and thrive.

No, your troubles aren’t just troubles — they can be God’s tools.

Father, enable me to view my troubles as a tool You can use for good in my life — and in the lives of others. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

This article was written by Karen E.