The apostle Paul was a pastor, teacher, missionary, and a writer of Scripture. When he wrote Philippians, he was a prisoner for Jesus Christ in a Roman jail. He's writing to the Christians in Philippi, thanking them for their support, and encouraging them forward.
Paul knows he must suffer and, instead of focusing on his own situation, he concerns himself with the spiritual advancement of the Philippians.
“I pray that your love will overflow more and more, and that you will keep on growing in knowledge and understanding. For I want you to understand what really matters, so that you may live pure and blameless lives until the day of Christ’s return.“ (Philippians 1:9-10 NLT)
When we're suffering, can we emulate the mindset of Paul? We should ask ourselves, “Is my family seeing the grace of God in my life? Am I encouraging those closest to me in their faith by my submission to God's will?”
”Since [Jesus] has gone through suffering and testing, he is able to help us when we are being tested.” (Hebrews 2:18 NLT)
We may just want to escape the grief that comes upon us. We may tend to ignore what's happening around us because of our wearisome state. Instead, shouldn't we be asking ourselves, ”What message am I sending forth? Who is watching my reaction to the situation I'm in?”
”Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.” (Philippians 2:4 NLT)
Our submission to the Lord is a better witness than any words we can say about the grace of God.
”Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7 NLT)
Our problems will be gone soon enough. Our Saviour shall bring the needed relief in His time.
”We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed. Through suffering, our bodies continue to share in the death of Jesus so that the life of Jesus may also be seen in our bodies.” (2 Corinthians 4:8-10 NLT)
If we live for Jesus today, and accept His needed help for the journey until the eternal day dawns, all sorrows will fade into the distant past.
”However hard the way and however perplexing their experiences, the suffering Christian may look up to God in confidence, knowing he can rely upon the divine love and faithfulness, and assured that all will work out for blessing at last.” Henry 'Harry' Ironside
