Our circumstances may not matter like we think.  As Jesus-followers and particularly as leaders or influencers we are tempted to make efforts to orchestrate our circumstances around our expectations.  We want to “position ourselves” in the best place possible in order to make the most of life.  We feel bad situations surely produce negative results.

The New Testament hero of the faith and leader extraordinaire Paul had a different perspective than that.  Actually, he was quite confident his difficult circumstance of imprisonment did not limit his influence, but actually extended his ability to impact others in Jesus’ name.

When we read Philippians 1 we discover how bad places can actually advance a leader’s life calling:

Bad places explain “why?”

While Paul was in prison, the Gospel was advanced because everyone around him knew he was there for Jesus.  Some people will never know what’s best for them unless we experience what is most painful for us.  It is often from our bad place that we most effectively influence others.

Bad places multiply the message.

Paul’s dungeon physically trapped him, but it literally loosed the Gospel in others.  When we respond to challenging circumstances with great faith, others are inspired to carry our message farther than our freedom ever could.  Sometimes personal barriers create powerful momentum.

Bad places simplify life.

Paul knew some people were sharing the Gospel with impure motives in order to cause him harm.  But his primary focus was that Jesus was preached.  Our bad place ultimately reduces life to the “one big thing”.  And when we respond in faith, that simplicity becomes life-changing.

Bad places heighten expectations.

That may seem backward, but in Paul we see that his situation created an eager expectation that Jesus would be honored in his life.  Bad places peel away the ugly pride that could embarrass us later on, and replaces it with holy boldness for this life and the next.

Clearly, your difficulty does not have to limit your opportunities to influence others in Jesus’ name.  So the next time you are tempted to escape your bad place as quickly as possible, stop and consider the greater work God can do through you.  Sometimes our limits are exactly what is needed to accelerate a great movement of God.

Add to this post by commenting below: How have you seen God use your tough spots to extend your influence?