Philippians is my all-time favorite book of the entire Bible. To me, it has the most life giving, faith encouraging, purpose breathing, endurance and perseverance convicting verses in all of scripture. When I am feeling the weight of the world, I turn to Philippians. When I am feeling overwhelmed by my high functioning anxiety, I turn to Philippians. When I need a reminder of who I am, and why I am here, I turn to Philippians. Philippians, and many of the Psalms, hold the cure for many of life’s pains and issues, but also holds the most healing, hope, and faith inspiring verses in the Bible. Today’s scripture, is one that I am particularly fond of, for many reasons, so, let’s dive in.
Philippians 1:22-26 “If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, so that through my being with you again your boasting in Christ Jesus will abound on account of me.”
As a person, who struggles with chronic health issues, that no one can see, this passage holds deep meaning. Until you have conflicting emotions of the longing for peace and healing that awaits us in heaven, but the realization that God still has more work for you this side of heaven, it may be a hard concept to grasp. Paul, no doubt, felt this deeply, as I do. It is believed that Paul had some sort of health concern or issue that we aren’t told directly—so to him, this conflicted feeling was something he clearly struggled with—and I am so glad he did, or we wouldn’t have these verses that encourage me in my personal struggle with chronic health problems.
Now, these verses aren’t just for people who are suffering or struggling, it is something for every one of us to remember. We can look around and see all the pain and chaos in the world, and when we see it, that longing in our heart for Jesus to return grows deeper and deeper….and yet we are still here. If there is breath in your lungs, God still has a purpose and mission for you to fulfill. No matter how much you want heaven, God has you here and now. Your time here is NOT FOR YOU—of course there is a lot of nuances here, however—Your time here is for Christ. He has placed you in your job, in your family, in our church, for your unique purpose. Some days you want out of your situations, some days you want the struggle to be over, some days you cry waiting for your circumstances to change…..but God has a reason for it, so, like Paul, we may be torn in our longing, but we much choose to keep pressing on, for our good and God’s glory.
So, Christian, if you are reading this, that means that God still has work for you to do, because you are alive. Let’s live intentionally. Let’s change our perspective on all the negative things around us, and be a light where God has us. Don’t waste the time you have here on earth, living for yourself. Live with the purpose that God has you here and now, for a reason, and that it isn’t for you, but him.
Philippians 1:22-26 “If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, so that through my being with you again your boasting in Christ Jesus will abound on account of me.”
As a person, who struggles with chronic health issues, that no one can see, this passage holds deep meaning. Until you have conflicting emotions of the longing for peace and healing that awaits us in heaven, but the realization that God still has more work for you this side of heaven, it may be a hard concept to grasp. Paul, no doubt, felt this deeply, as I do. It is believed that Paul had some sort of health concern or issue that we aren’t told directly—so to him, this conflicted feeling was something he clearly struggled with—and I am so glad he did, or we wouldn’t have these verses that encourage me in my personal struggle with chronic health problems.
Now, these verses aren’t just for people who are suffering or struggling, it is something for every one of us to remember. We can look around and see all the pain and chaos in the world, and when we see it, that longing in our heart for Jesus to return grows deeper and deeper….and yet we are still here. If there is breath in your lungs, God still has a purpose and mission for you to fulfill. No matter how much you want heaven, God has you here and now. Your time here is NOT FOR YOU—of course there is a lot of nuances here, however—Your time here is for Christ. He has placed you in your job, in your family, in our church, for your unique purpose. Some days you want out of your situations, some days you want the struggle to be over, some days you cry waiting for your circumstances to change…..but God has a reason for it, so, like Paul, we may be torn in our longing, but we much choose to keep pressing on, for our good and God’s glory.
So, Christian, if you are reading this, that means that God still has work for you to do, because you are alive. Let’s live intentionally. Let’s change our perspective on all the negative things around us, and be a light where God has us. Don’t waste the time you have here on earth, living for yourself. Live with the purpose that God has you here and now, for a reason, and that it isn’t for you, but him.