A little background for those who may be unfamiliar with Philippians and might be wondering who the heck Paul is!
Paul is an apostle of Jesus. Up until a few books before Philippians, Paul was named Saul and was a murderer of Christians until Jesus sent Ananias to tell Paul to believe and changed Paul's mind. Philippians is a letter from Paul while he is in jail, written to believers in Philippi.
I am amazed by Paul and his rejoicing even though he is in jail. He is completely happy about being in jail because he knows that no matter what, the gospel is being shared and that he is suffering for God's glory. The words "rejoice" and "joy" are said throughout the letter. I know if that were me, I would not be positive and happy that I was in jail no matter how I ended up in there. I don't think I could take the mind of Paul and be joyful even in the darkest place.
Paul also talks about how he is confident in himself and in what God is doing in his life. I often times find myself not being confident in my periods of suffering and I most certainly don't rejoice and praise God when I'm in my own "prison." I instead am quick to be negative and complain about my life. How could I be so selfish? I am so beyond blessed and no matter what, I have an amazing God who only does things for the good of His children. I'm not feeling shame or guilt in being selfish but I am owning up to the fact that I have a very selfish outlook on life.
Philippians 4:12-13 says "I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength."
Isn't it amazing that Paul is completely content no matter what situation he is in? And not only does he tell his brothers and sisters this but then he makes sure he gives due credit by exclaiming that he can feel this way because of God lavishing him with strength!!
Reading through this book made me smile on a day that has been very tiring, draining and taxing on me. I was not looking forward to the rest of my night but now feel rejuvenated and am confident that I can make it through the rest of the day and week. I came into this semester/new year with the goal of not complaining or being negative. When I went to church on Sunday and heard my pastor talk about rejoicing rather than complaining and whining in situations that are hard, I felt God's presence and felt that God was speaking it directly into my ears.
The truth is, I am human and I am in no way shape or form perfect, however I have a God who is and who can help me through everything and anything. I am nowhere near rejoicing during my times of suffering but I am slowly removing complaining and negativity from my life. I want to work towards having the attitude that Paul had while in prison.
Praise God!
God bless and much love,
Alissa <3
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