In review of Philippians 1:18a-19 it says, “I will continue to rejoice. For I know that as you pray for me and the Spirit of Jesus Christ helps me, this will lead to my deliverance.”
Bottom Line:
Continue to rejoice, for you have those who pray for you and the Spirit of Jesus Christ who will help lead you to freedom.
What this means to me:
I should continue to rejoice, because there are those who pray for me, and from the help which comes from the Spirit of Jesus Christ. I know that the troubles I encounter will eventually bring my freedom. Given this, when it’s looking like things in my life are falling apart, I shouldn’t try to work it out myself. Instead, I should just let God put the pieces back together. Whenever I face a problem, I can do one of two things: I can worship or I can worry. This is where faith comes in. Paul says in Philippians 1:18b-19, “I will continue to rejoice. For I know that as you pray for me and the Spirit of Jesus Christ helps me, this will lead to my deliverance” (NLT). In that one verse, Paul gives several sources of strength I can rely on to stay positive and happy in any tough time. First, I need to keep God’s perspective on my problems. Paul says, “For I know.” It’s what he knew that keeped him going. Paul knew God was working in the midst of his struggle, and he kept in mind God’s bigger perspective. Secondly, Paul had people praying for him, and that kept him going as well. Then he says, “The Spirit of Jesus Christ helps me.” The Holy Spirit also kept Paul going. Finally he says, “This will lead to my deliverance.” Paul had faith that God would work his problem for good. Because he had God’s perspective, the prayer of friends, the Holy Spirit, and faith, Paul chose to “continue to rejoice.” So, I should adopt Paul’s attitude and also choose to rejoice. In the past, when I have turned my struggles over to God, he has granted me more peace than I could have ever imagined. I have both my direct and church family who prays for me. I have experienced the power of their prayers in my most recent illness and recovery. I know God has blessed me through his grace and through the prayer of others. He has taken something very serious and blessed me through it.
0 comments:
Post a Comment