Philippians: Finding Hope in Tough Times (Part 1)
Hello friends! It’s nice to see you again! Many of you have expressed interest in hearing what God has been teaching me through the book of Philippians, and while I know everyone who may be following my mommy journey may not be a follower of Jesus, I’m so thankful you’re here!
I’m currently working to establish a consistent reading time with the Lord each morning, and my Bible-reading has spontaneously started in the New Testament with the book of Philippians. I've always loved the letters of Paul because they come with an abundance of instructions for God's people. There’s so much to share, more than I realized, but I will focus on a few key points for starters from Chapter 1. Please let me know in the comments way down below if you enjoyed this type of blog post, and would like to see more on the book of Philippians! I hope you all enjoy!
In Philippians, Paul is writing from prison, (as a result of being arrested for preaching the Gospel), and it's safe to say he is in one of the biggest trials of his life.
I was surprised to see Paul in such a devastating situation…not whining, complaining, or even grumbling! On the contrary, he was actually using the opportunity to encourage other believers to “rejoice.” He tells them not to worry because his imprisonment has actually served to advance the Gospel by encouraging others to become more outspoken in their faith without fear! (Boldness in Jesus during our suffering empowers others in their faith.)
Seeing Paul's response to a terrifying time, really made my present day problems seem quite minuscule in comparison. It made me wonder how Paul could have so much faith, and so much gratitude while in his own suffering?
I reflected on some of my own trials that I've been in for the past few years, and meditated on how I’ve been handling them in comparison to Paul. I’ve not been using them as an opportunity to advance the Gospel, or encourage others. I’ve found myself extremely focused on my own problems, sulking in my own anxiety and fears. Instead of feeling contentment, or confidence in the Lord, I’ve felt shame and embarrassment within myself.
However, after reading Paul’s positive response to his imprisonment, my attitude towards my own struggles are slowly changing. If in my weakness, the Lord is glorified, then with any trial I face, I should contain a sense of joy, and expectancy for God to do an evident work for all to see!! James 1:2-4 says “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”
When we feel shame in our trials, or past struggles, we can remember Paul in prison, and the platform his trial gave to advance the Gospel. For those that may not know, Paul’s name used to be Saul. He used to kill Christians for their belief in Jesus. If anyone had a past to be ashamed of, it was Paul, but Jesus met him where he was, and transformed his life for His glory! Can’t God do the same for me and you in our trials? Yes, I believe He can!
If Paul had sulked in his imprisonment, then he would have missed his opportunity to advance the Gospel! We are called to rejoice in our struggles with expectancy because God uses those moments and transforms them for His glory!
This new mentality immediately offers hope to my difficult trials! All of a sudden, instead of sulking in MY weakness, I’m boasting in HIS strength. Instead of saddened by MY failures, I’m expecting in HIS victory!! Whatever outcome occurs, I can share my joy and trust in Jesus with full confidence that He can work any situation for His glory and my ultimate good!
So, ask yourself the same questions that I asked myself...What trials are you going through whether it's been 3 days, or 3 years? Have you been carrying the weight of this difficult season with you feeling hopeless? Living in defeat and shame? Or, are you rejoicing and expecting how mighty God will use your faith in this trial to advance the Gospel for His glory? This is where there lies freedom!
Whatever our trial, let’s take joy in knowing that the Lord is close by, and able to use it for good! “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28
Thank you so much for reading, and sticking with me till the end! The book of Philippians is only four chapters, and I highly encourage you read and jot down your own thoughts! I pray we’re all encouraged by Paul's message of hope, peace, and contentment in whatever trial we’re in! Now, let’s rejoice knowing that whatever trials we face, our Lord is more than able to deliver us from them for His glory! Have a beautiful and set-free day!
Cool, Calm, and Collectedly Yours,
