Philippians Devotional 2

Philippians 1
Verses 12-22

This section really stands out. Besides the fact that Paul has just about every reason in the book to be angry and upset, he still finds peace and comfort in the knowledge that whatever happens to him is "really served for the advancement of the Gospel..." (v.12) Paul, despite his imprisonment and his desperate state is the first to encourage others, and praise God. Paul even realizes that his imprisonment has caused his brothers in Christ to become more bold in their faith. Now you tell me, what would his brothers in Christ have done had Paul chosen to be angry, upset, and frustrated? They wouldn't have grown in their faith, and Paul wouldn't have gotten any closer to getting out of jail. So in his situation, it didn't help him to mope around, and it actually did help others for him to be positive, and pleasent.

Paul is facing several difficult situations in this section. He's facing trial, where he could possibly be killed, not to mention there are followers of the Faith that are teaching "out of rivalry". In other words, they were standing agaisnt Paul even though he clearly couldn't defend himself while imprisoned. Despite this fact, Paul still rejoices because there are some out there who are on his side, and expressing the good news. "Christ is proclaimed, and in that I rejoice." (v.18)

How would you feel if you were trapped somewhere, unable to get out, and your friends who usually stand by you choose to betray you? Oh, and all the while, there's a possibility of you being killed and/or prosecuted. Would you be pleasent, and even rejoicing like Paul was? I'll tell you the truth, I wouldn't be.

So how do we get to that point? How do we find ourselves in a place where all we want is Christ to be lifted up, and we don't really care what happens to us?

"Yes, and I will rejoice, for I know that through your prayers and the help of hte Spirit of Jesus Christ, this will turn out for my deliverance..." (v. 18-19) Paul isn't saying "I know I'm going to get out of jail." Paul is saying, I know that no matter if this means death or life, I'll be delivered. Either to the hands of God, or back into my mission field. Paul also says "to live is Christ, to die is gain." (v. 21) Meaning, Paul knows that if he lives, he lives for Christ, and if he dies, he's going straight to heaven to be with Christ. Either way is a win-win situation for Paul.

We have to understand that fact for ourselves! Either way is a win win situation for us as well! We serve the same God as Paul did, and our God loves us just as much as he loved Paul! Sometimes we forget that God loves us this much because we all think of Paul as some kind of "superchristian" Paul is no different than any of us could be if we tried. So let's follow his example and do our best to stay positive, and in all times give God the glory!