Ask Christians what the happiest book in the Bible is, and most of them will tell you it’s Philippians. One look at the book, and you start to notice the words “joy” and “rejoice” sprinkled throughout. Paul is optimistic about a difficult situation. He’s been beaten and imprisoned for sharing the gospel, but at the same time he’s excited to see the positive impact this has on the church. God was using his pain and his joy to embolden the church and spur them on to advance the gospel.
He writes,
“And because of my chains, most of the brothers and sisters have become confident in the Lord and dare all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear.” (Philippians 1:14, NIV)
Imagine for a minute how the church felt when they received this letter. Paul was not only surviving, he was thriving. I imagine that they were surprised by his joy, and his readiness to be used by the Lord. Anyone else in his position may have taken the opportunity to dwell in self pity–to show the church what he went through for the sake of his faith. But, Paul wasn’t seeking to be seen or to be known, he was seeking nothing but Christ.
May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. (Galatians 6:14, NIV)
That testimony of joyful perseverance strengthened the church, as it showed them that they too could thrive in difficult situations. It showed them that God would sustain them in the same way He sustained Paul and carried Him through.
Let’s stop for a minute to examine ourselves. How are we handling difficult situations, and what is our testimony saying to others? Are we joyfully optimistic? Are we using opportunities to point others to Christ, or are we hoping to be seen and be known? Are they seeing our joy? Are we thriving, or merely surviving?
Sure, we can preach the gospel to others. We can tell them about our Savior, and the joy He brings to our lives, but the way we choose to live out the gospel will always speak louder than words.
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Tilling the Soil
Read Philippians Chapter 1.
Planting Hope
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! (Philippians 4:4, NIV)
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About the Author
DARLENE SCHACHT is an award-winning and NYT best-selling author. She is the founder of Time-Warp Wife Ministries, an online publication that encourages women to live Christ-centered lives.
Her passion for scripture and hunger for truth is the driving force behind a unique ministry that offers Bible studies and daily marriage prayers. Darlene is joined by her husband Michael on the daily podcast “5-Minute Marriage.”
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