A Promise Worth Claiming

I was drawn into Philippians today; I’m not sure why. I think I was instinctively seeking some comfort from all the “rejoice” references. Grief and struggle has been thick in the air lately, and between that and accumulating stresses in my work, I found myself teetering dangerously on the edge of a familiar dark place.

I felt the rush of tears just reading the intro verses; there was something in the simplicity of returning to the Word after a prolonged absence – the sense of being safe at home was immediate. But Paul’s attitude baffles me. At the end of verse 18 and on into 19, he writes, “Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, for I know that through your prayers and God’s provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance.” This man was literally “in chains for Christ” – imprisoned, maligned, persecuted and thwarted at every step. Where, then, does this impossible confidence come from? Paul was undeniably a pivotal player in the birth of Christ’s church; the enemy’s attacks – both external and internal – must have been extreme. And yet Paul maintained his passion, his single-minded devotion to spreading the gospel and encouraging his people, his determination to exalt his Lord in every circumstance, no matter the cost. Had he no moments of doubt, no feelings of discouragement, no sense of being overwhelmed by the immensity of the calling placed on his life? How, in the face of all hell arrayed against him, did he keep from wavering? Was he even human?! And what possible hope does one such as I have of ever truly following his example?

What hope do I have … I have the same provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ that Paul had, and I would never have made it this far without  the prayers of many backing me up. Perhaps a missing element consists of time and experience. After all, Paul had a dramatic encounter with the risen Christ and an intense period of desert testing before the world ever really began to hear from him. I wonder what his writings would have sounded like had they been composed during those early years, instead of being seasoned by his maturity and hard-earned wisdom.

In chapter 3, Paul exhorts his readers to follow his example. As absolutely out of reach as that seems, I feel strangely exhilarated by the challenge. Even on a day like today, when I have been just about everything opposite: timid, weary, anxious and discontent. Because, more than anything else, I want Paul’s kind of life – I want to know courage, dedication, passion, joy and contentment. And I believe with all my heart that, as long as I remain willing and obedient, there is nothing that can stop my God from growing that kind of life in me. After all, Paul was confident “that He who began a good work in [me] will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (Php. 1:6).  I can’t imagine a better promise!