In the Bible, Joseph was sold into slavery. King Saul hunted down David. Job lost his family and his health. Christ was betrayed, beaten and crucified. Paul was imprisoned and later beheaded. All of the original disciples of Christ, not counting Judas, were martyred. Only John lived to an old age in exile.

Bad things do happen to good people—even to God’s people. Only the wisdom of God can plan it for good. Only His power can bring good out of the worst situations.

A man once said, “Being a Christian allows us to tap into the powers of Heaven in order to face the pains of earth.”

The Apostle Paul endured problems far beyond what you and I will ever experience. Yet, the results were amazing: “And many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear...”

Because Paul was in prison, his brothers in the Lord grew more confident and started witnessing and preaching! Isn’t that exactly the paradox of Christianity? What should be a terrible problem—being imprisoned—is actually a means by which the gospel is spread.

Can we learn this truth? Can we discover hidden joy and purpose in even our worst trials?