June 29, 2009
~Denise Grant
“I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:14
Something to Think About:
~Have there been times in your life that you wanted to “throw in the towel” rather than keep going?
~Have you ever given up when things got difficult?
~What storm in your life are you waiting out right now?
When life is difficult, as it so often is, if you will just hang tough, you can and will come out victorious through faith, courage, perseverance, and with joy. What? Back up – did you just read, “Joy”?
Philippians is known as a book about joy – despite the fact Paul wrote it from a Roman prison. In both his words and his actions, Paul calls for us to rejoice, to be joyful, in spite of suffering, in the midst of humble service, and in the face of fear and anxiety.
But come on – just how practical is it to rejoice in any situation? What about in the face of a terminal illness? Or when you face financial despair? How about when one of your children is struggling morally and spiritually? Is it even healthy to find joy in such times?
Paul does not say rejoice because of hardships; no! He says rejoice despite of hardships - and in the midst of pain! I don’t believe Paul is calling us to be masochists who wish for hardship and pain in our lives. However, he does call us to be overcomers in all circumstances. But exactly how does one do this?
You see, Paul knows what he’s talking about. This man was:
- Stoned and beaten – “They stoned Paul and dragged him outside the city, thinking he was dead.” Acts 14:19
- Shipwrecked – “But the ship struck a sandbar and ran aground. The bow stuck fast and would not move, and the stern was broken to pieces by the pounding of the surf.” Acts 27:41
- Suffered from a painful physical ailment – “Even though my illness was a trial to you, you did not treat me with contempt or scorn.” Galatians 4:13
- Lived with the guilt of being a persecutor of innocent people in his past – “I persecuted the followers of the Way to their death, arresting both men and women and throwing them into prison.” Acts 22:4
- Imprisoned and sentenced to death for his faith – “After they had been severely flogged, they were thrown into prison” Acts 16:22.
Just like the Energizer Bunny – he just kept on going and going and going. He was clearly a man of joy in all circumstances and in the midst of pain, trials and suffering – and you can be too!
Life can be, and is difficult and for some every day, but I encourage you to trust and believe that even in the midst of suffering, you can stand firm – and help others to do the same – as you find your ultimate joy in the Lord.
God Will…
Enable you to overcome – “The Sovereign Lord is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, ne enables me to go on the heights.” Habakkuk 3:19
Give you strength and boldness – “When I called, you answered me; you made me bold and stouthearted.” Psalm 138:3
Equip you for good works - “May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.” 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17
“When you get into a tight place and everything goes against you, till it seems as though you could not hang on a minute longer, never give up then – for that is just the place and time that the tide will turn”.
Dear Lord Jesus,
When I’m tossed in the winds and waves of my life’s storms, grant me a calm, confident, and especially joyful heart that stands against all trials. I will press on towards the goal to win the prize for which You have called me heavenward. In Your holy and precious name, Jesus. Amen!
Denise Grant - Just "clay" in the Master Potter's hands.
The man who walks with God always gets to his destination.
If you have a pulse you have a purpose. 
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment