Napoleon Hill has several inspirational quotes. One of them is this: “Every adversity, every failure, every heartache carries with it the seed of an equal or greater benefit”. Does this have a basis in scripture? Let’s find out from Paul’s story. The apostle Paul arrived in Macedonia after a series of checks placed on him by the Holy Spirit while trying to go to other places. While there, he had a swell time. A fairly rich woman by name Lydia was saved. Then a young lady who had been used as an Automatic Teller Machine was delivered. But it was here too that Paul and Silas were beaten to pulps and hauled into the prison.

That missionary trip resulted in the planting of the church at Philippi. Now, it is interesting to note that of all the churches Paul planted, only this church related with him on giving and receiving. Their supply of essentials to the apostle’s needs led him to saying, “Indeed I have all and abound. I am full, having received from Epaphroditus the things sent from you, a sweet-smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God” (Philippians 4:18). Refreshing came to Paul from the same quarter where he almost lost his life! This brings us back to yesterday’s conclusion: food can indeed come from the eater; and sweetness from what might have stung us in the past. So Napoleon Hill is correct in saying that within every trouble is a seed of an equal or greater benefit. The problem with people is that they often get engrossed with the trouble that they fail to look for the seed it contains.