Main Point and Overview:
How can someone be filled with joy in a struggle? The answer is having a “healthy life perception.” It has been said that “perception is reality.” While we know that statement isn’t technically true, we do know that a person’s perception is what he or she believes causing action or a lack of action. Paul’s perception was that the cost of prison was worth the fruit that it was bearing. He had faith that God had a plan even when he couldn’t see it unfolding. He believed that his time in jail would end because God had more work for him to do. It’s amazing to see the tension in Paul’s heart. His love for Jesus was so strong that he deeply desired to be with him. He saw nothing that this world had to offer as an incentive to continue to live, yet he was convinced that there were still churches to start and people to impact with the Gospel. His work wasn’t finished. What if we started seeing our “obstacles” in the same way that Paul saw his? Instead of complaining, he pushed forward in his influence. He chose commitment over convenience, character over comfort, and conviction over conditions. In reality, he put others’ spiritual needs first. Can that be said of us? Do we see our spiritual influence as a non-negotiable part of our lives, or is it an option when under the least amount of resistance? Paul wanted others to experience the same joy in Christ that he was experiencing. It wasn’t going to be easy. Being a faithful follower of Jesus is never easy, but it’s always worth it. Paul concluded his challenge to the Philippians by attempting to inspire them to make unity a priority in “following through” with their “new” commitment to Jesus Christ. Are we ready for the same kind of passionate commitment? What is YOUR PERCEPTION of life’s struggles: opportunity or obstacle?
How can someone be filled with joy in a struggle? The answer is having a “healthy life perception.” It has been said that “perception is reality.” While we know that statement isn’t technically true, we do know that a person’s perception is what he or she believes causing action or a lack of action. Paul’s perception was that the cost of prison was worth the fruit that it was bearing. He had faith that God had a plan even when he couldn’t see it unfolding. He believed that his time in jail would end because God had more work for him to do. It’s amazing to see the tension in Paul’s heart. His love for Jesus was so strong that he deeply desired to be with him. He saw nothing that this world had to offer as an incentive to continue to live, yet he was convinced that there were still churches to start and people to impact with the Gospel. His work wasn’t finished. What if we started seeing our “obstacles” in the same way that Paul saw his? Instead of complaining, he pushed forward in his influence. He chose commitment over convenience, character over comfort, and conviction over conditions. In reality, he put others’ spiritual needs first. Can that be said of us? Do we see our spiritual influence as a non-negotiable part of our lives, or is it an option when under the least amount of resistance? Paul wanted others to experience the same joy in Christ that he was experiencing. It wasn’t going to be easy. Being a faithful follower of Jesus is never easy, but it’s always worth it. Paul concluded his challenge to the Philippians by attempting to inspire them to make unity a priority in “following through” with their “new” commitment to Jesus Christ. Are we ready for the same kind of passionate commitment? What is YOUR PERCEPTION of life’s struggles: opportunity or obstacle?
Posted in Devotional