Our senior pastor and my husband have been walking us through the book of Philippians for the past few months. At the beginning of this series, our church family was encouraged to memorize the whole book of Philippians. I, for one, was intimidated by that challenge, yet I also knew it would be incredibly beneficial for our 7th grade son---and for me. So with a good amount of fear and trepidation on my part, we took the leap.
Can I tell you how phenomenal it's been? Luke keeps me motivated and on track. It's such a joy to share this endeavor with him! But beyond that, the value of memorizing God's Word never returns void. Passages are coming to life as never before!
Now nearing the end of chapter 2, we review the entire book each Monday morning, beginning with Philippians 1:1. For weeks, I've held to the faith-filled words of Paul in verse 13: my imprisonment is for Christ. Yet as Luke and I recited the increasingly familiar and beloved words yesterday, I sensed God prompting me, "Nik, what hardships or disappointments are you facing right now? What isn't quite the way you'd dreamed and planned? Can you say in confidence, with Paul, that your less-than-desirable circumstance is for Me?"
What about you, friends?
My lack of money is for Christ.
My infertility is for Christ.
My illness is for Christ.
My joblessness is for Christ.
My loneliness is for Christ.
My loss is for Christ.
Paul certainly hadn't planned or hoped to end up in prison. Yet even within the confines of that prison cell, his eyes firmly fixed on Jesus, he was able to identify that God was using this pain---this prison, this trial---for good. He was using it to advance the gospel and draw Paul's heart into closer communion with His own.
How are we shining amidst the confines of our present circumstance? Are others being pointed to Jesus, even in our pain? Are they hearing faith-filled words of grace as we testify that, even now, God is faithfully carrying and sustaining us? Are they being bolstered by the undeniable hope and confidence we have, believing that He is absolutely enough?
It's all for Christ, friends.
It's all for Him.
"I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel, so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and all the rest that my imprisonment is for Christ. And most of the brothers, having become confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, are much more bold to speak the word without fear." Philippians 1:12-14
2 comments:
Powerful! That is going to stick with me. Thank you, friend.
The Lord has been squeezing me here too. ♥
It's an area that I wrestle with frequently, and fail so many times. The topics of Sunday mornings have confirmed this is where He is stretching me now!
Thanks, friend ~ for being one of those reminders!
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