April 15 2026

Wednesday April 15

When Life Doesn’t Go as Planned

Philippians 1:12

“But I want you to know, brethren, that the things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel.”

Today we are continuing in Philippians 1and we will be looking at verses 12–18 over the next few days. Here in verse 12 we are talking about when life does not go as planned—when your plans fall apart and it seems like nothing is happening the way you dreamed or thought God intended for your life. You may find yourself wondering, “What is this all about?”

The Apostle Paul could have asked that same question, but he looked at it in a different light. He begins talking about his circumstances here in verse 12. But first we want to read verses 12-18 which we will look at them in more detail over the next few days: “But I want you to know, brethren, that the things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel, so that it has become evident to the whole palace guard, and to all the rest, that my chains are in Christ. And most of the brethren in the Lord, having become confident by my chains, are much more bold to speak the word without fear. Some indeed preach Christ even from envy and strife, and some also from goodwill. The former preach Christ from selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my chains; but the latter out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel. What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is preached; and in this I rejoice, yes, and will rejoice.”

Think about it—Paul is in prison. He is in chains. He is restricted. His plans have been interrupted. If I remember correctly, he had even planned to go on to Spain, but now he is in a prison in Rome. He is writing to his beloved friends there at Philippi. Yet he says that what has happened to him, as he sits in a Roman prison, has actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel. It has helped move the gospel forward.

You know, my friend, life does not always go as we plan it. The truth is, God is still on the throne. God is still at work. Even in our setbacks, even in our disappointments, even in situations we would never choose for ourselves, God can use it all. What looks like a detour to us is often part of God’s design and God’s plan.

One of the best stories in the Bible that illustrates this is the story of Joseph. God had a plan for Joseph to save his family. Even as a child, he began to have visions and dreams of how God was going to use him in a special way. One day, he went to check on his ten brothers. What he saw was not good. He returned and gave his father, Jacob, an honest report about them, but it was not a good one. As a result, his brothers—already envious of him because he seemed to be their father’s favorite—grew to hate him.

Later, when they had the opportunity at Dothan, they threw him into a pit. At first, they even considered killing him, but instead they sold him into slavery and made money on him. Joseph ended up in Egypt. Now obviously things were not going according to Joseph’s plans. He had seen visions and dreams of greatness—of the stars and even his family bowing before him. Yet now he was a slave in Potiphar’s house.

For a time, things went well. But then Potiphar’s wife tried to seduce him. He refused, and she falsely accused him. As a result, he was thrown into prison. Again, things did not seem to be going well. Yet even there, the hand of the Lord was with him, and he made the best of his situation. Eventually, as you know, he was brought before Pharaoh. He interpreted Pharaoh’s dreams and was elevated to a position of authority—second only to Pharaoh in all of Egypt.

Years later—about twenty-two years later—his brothers came to Egypt to buy food during the famine. Joseph recognized them, and instead of seeking revenge, he helped them. He provided for them and eventually brought his entire family to Egypt. After their father Jacob died, his brothers feared that Joseph might finally take revenge. They came to him and pleaded for forgiveness. But Joseph said, “No, no. You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good.” (Genesis 50:19-20)

My friend, when your plans fall apart and life does not go as expected, remember this: God still has a plan. God is still at work. He can use you right where you are, no matter what your circumstances may be. As you think about these things today, be encouraged—God is still on the throne.

God bless and may you have a wonderful, wonderful day!