Focus
Slow your breathing and become aware of the taking in and letting out of your breath. Focus on putting things aside so you will be open to what God is saying to you today.
Read
19 for I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ this will turn out for my deliverance. 20 It is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be put to shame in any way, but that by my speaking with all boldness, Christ will be exalted now as always in my body, whether by life or by death. 21 For to me, living is Christ and dying is gain. 22 If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me; and I do not know which I prefer. 23 I am hard pressed between the two: my desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better; 24 but to remain in the flesh is more necessary for you. 25 Since I am convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with all of you for your progress and joy in faith, 26 so that I may share abundantly in your boasting in Christ Jesus when I come to you again.
27 Only, live your life in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that, whether I come and see you or am absent and hear about you, I will know that you are standing firm in one spirit, striving side by side with one mind for the faith of the gospel, 28 and are in no way intimidated by your opponents. For them this is evidence of their destruction, but of your salvation. And this is God’s doing. 29 For he has graciously granted you the privilege not only of believing in Christ, but of suffering for him as well— 30 since you are having the same struggle that you saw I had and now hear that I still have.
Reflect
Paul uses this letter as an opportunity to encourage the Philippians. Philippians 1:27-30 indicate that even as Paul is in prison because of his faith, the Philippians are also enduring persecution. In verses 12-14, Paul says that his imprisonment has actually helped to spread the Gospel. He says that the “whole imperial guard and everyone else” has heard the Gospel because of his persecution. We are reminded of the promise in Isaiah about the efficacy of God’s Word, Isaiah 55:10-11 says, 10 For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return there until they have watered the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, 11 so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and succeed in the thing for which I sent it.
Paul knows that suffering is difficult, but even more difficult when we can not see a purpose behind the suffering. Paul has introduced the Philippians to the concept of being a slave to Christ in the greeting of the letter. In the next chapter, Paul references Jesus Christ as “becoming a slave and being obedient to death.” Paul encourages the Philippians to stand strong in the face of persecution because God is working through them.
Pray
God, help us to stand strong in the face of criticism and anxiety. Give us an awareness of Your Holy Spirit so that we know we are never abandoned. Amen
Go with God!
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