Page 64 - Living Light - A Message of Joy!

Wednesday February 14 - Paul’s secret
I can do all this through him who gives me strength. Philippians 4:13
The apostle Paul has ‘learned to be content whatever the circumstances’, whether he is in prosperity or in prison. These two extreme situations are polar opposites. They represent either end of the spectrum of life. It’s as if Paul is wrapping his arms around the entirety of human experience and saying with the psalmist, ‘Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever’ (Psalm 73:25-26).
So, what is the secret of Paul’s contentment? Verse 13: ‘I can do all this through him who gives me strength.’ In all the circumstances of life Paul has received strength from God to be content, knowing the Lord to be sufficient and sovereign in any and every situation. In all of life’s ups and downs Paul experiences the peace of God guarding his heart and mind in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:6-7).
Clearly, when Paul says that he possesses the power to do ‘all things’, he has in mind all things within the will of God – all things that glorify God as defined by his Word. God does this work within us at the deepest level. He works this empowering in the very depths of our heart, by the strength that is in the Lord Jesus Christ, to do all that he would have us do. Apart from him we can do nothing!
Father, help me to know Christ’s empowering presence, and produce in me this sovereign peace. Amen.
Thursday February 15 - Godward orientation
...now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are
a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. Philippians 4:18
At the end of this letter, we do not see a defeated man. Neither do we see one who is at all discouraged or downcast. Though in prison and in chains, Paul continues to be strong in faith and steadfast in hope. He is not frustrated with the turn of events that have confined him in Rome for two long years. Rather he is optimistic and triumphant, cheerful in his confidence that God has all things under control and is using him, despite the many constraints, to advance the gospel. Though from a human perspective Paul’s prospects looked grim, to him the future was never brighter.
In this final section, Paul concludes with an expression of appreciation for the ministry partnership that he continues to maintain with the Philippian church. He affirms his deep gratitude for their financial help during this challenging season of his life.
Like Paul, you may find yourself going through trying times. You too may be experiencing demanding circumstances, from which there seems to be no apparent or immediate escape. If so, take heart as you consider the example of the apostle Paul. What God in his grace did for him, he can do for you. Paul’s vibrant testimony can be your experience too. And if you are not in a testing time right now, learn from him – for difficulty of some sort is sure to come, sooner or later. Make sure Paul’s joy is yours as well.
Father God, may I, like Paul, prove your faithfulness in all circumstances. Amen.
PRAYER FOR TODAY
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PRAYER FOR TODAY