The Rewards of Difficulty and Misfortune

John Bunyan was 32 when he was arrested for preaching at his own church. He was sent to Bradford prison in which he spent twelve long years in a cold, damp cell. Those in authority promised to release him if he would only stop preaching. He refused to let his circumstances get him down and he kept a positive attitude during this time. Bunyan even went as far as saying that God had turned his prison into a blessed place. He encouraged his fellow prisoners, prayed and wrote at least six books during this time. He actually saw this adversity as a great time to study the word of God and ponder the spiritual aspects of life.

Bunyan was released from Bradford in 1762 and was arrested again for preaching 3 years later. He accepted this greater difficulty as just another opportunity to read, meditate, and write. During the next 6 months in the dark and depressing prison, Bunyan wrote his masterpiece- The Pilgrim's Progress.

Bunyan's greatest triumph was a result of his greatest difficulty.

While my situation is different in the reason for my incarceration the resulting circumstances are exactly the same. My attitude determines the value of this situation. I will gain nothing from this experience if I only grasp the thoughts of the tragedy and never meditate on the value of the triumph.

I believe that God uses every battle to shape a man to become a better warrior for his purpose. We must search for the seed of good in every difficulty.

I pray for grace through this everyday.

In Him,
Bryan