Empowered To Endure
OPENING PRAYER:
Dear God and Father, I love to be in control of my life experience and find it hard when faced with uncertainty. My fear of loss through death of a loved one, loss of job, or a broken relationship can paralyze me. Help me to seek your perspective through your truth, so I can live in your power and peace.
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. 13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength. Philippians 4:12-13 (NIV)
REFLECT:
The problems and uncertainties of life are baring down heavily on the life of our family right now. An aged and infirmed parent in a care facility with little financial means of support. A special-needs son with chronic disabilities, and the challenges of helping him transition to adult services. Personal challenges of physical health resulting for advancing osteoarthritis and the medical challenges that we fear loom ahead. Watching as the inflation rate surges to more than 8.5% just for the month of May; with gasoline prices heading quickly to the $5.00 level. Food shortages beginning to impact family meal choices and the cost of produce at the grocery stores rising every week. At times the pressures of life feel unbearable.
Then the Words of The Apostle Paul explode before my eyes and challenge me to change my focus and perspective! “I know what it is to live with humble means, and I know what it is to live in prosperity. In any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of contentment—both to be filled and to go hungry, to have abundance and to suffer need.” (Phil 4:12 TLV) There is no such thing as a life untouched by problems, pain, and the challenges of this world. But when we focus on Christ and his infinite power, our hearts and minds are transformed. “I can do all things through Christ, because he gives me strength.” (Phil 4:13 NCV)
TV preachers may say, “Paul is telling us that everything is possible if we have enough faith!” But the context of this passage shines a different light. I can face every condition of life with confidence, because Christ gives me the power to endure. Let these words of Paul, soak into your heart: “Do not worry about anything, but pray and ask God for everything you need, always giving thanks. And God’s peace, which is so great we cannot understand it, will keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” (Phil 4: 6,7 NCV)
APPLY:
Find a quiet place, settle down for 15-minutes in solitude, as you meditate on these words of Paul from Philippians chapter 4. Let them find their way into your conscience thoughts. Then resolve in your heart to spend 10-minutes each day during the coming week, meditating on God’s Life-transforming Word.
CLOSING PRAYER:
Lord, please help us to find the time to be quiet and allow your words to come into our hearts throughout the day today and the weekend. Amen.
WORSHIP: