A question we have often asked.
“As you know, it was because of an illness that I first preached the gospel to you” (Galatians 4 v 13)
Was it depression? Epilepsy? Headaches? Eye-sight problem? The thorn in the flesh? Marks from the persecution he had received? The fact is the great Apostle Paul was ill.
Is this disconcerting or comforting? I am sure the latter. Why does God permit this?
What is interesting is that the reason why Paul began ministry there was because his illness had kept him there to do so. His plans were changed.
And if his illness was unsightly (which the next few verses would suggest in that they lovingly responded to him with kindness) then perhaps he used what had happened to him as a personal testimony leading into his preaching?
Are we open to our plans changing and for God to use the bad things that happen to us for His good? Paul believed in this didn’t he?
(Romans 8 v 28) Everything of our life, what happens to us, what we have done, the hurts and difficulties are not outside of the gaze of God. Neither is it outside of the control of Him. We may not realise this side of heaven exactly how this works for the good. But the promise is that God is filtering everything and using it for His purposes.
Missions Paul 