Entries by Jason Woods

I Thank God in Hard Times and for Hard Times If there was ever a Christian who faced hard times in his life, the apostle Paul would surely be at the top of that list. He listed many of the sufferings that he endured as a disciple of Christ (in 2 Cor. 11:23-28), among which was, “in prisons more frequently.” When Paul wrote about frequently being in prison, that was before he was arrested and imprisoned in Jerusalem and for two years in Caesarea, and it was about five years before he was imprisoned in Rome for two years. If you had spent as many nights (even years) as Paul had in prison, what would your attitude be toward God? Would you be angry with God? Would you be blaming God? Would you tell others to be wary of God? Read the book of Philippians. Paulwrites this epistle while a prisoner in Rome. Do you want to see what he thinks aboutGod after all that he had endured? He wanted that church to have a clear picture ofthe God that he served and for whom he was in prison.Paul begins by saying, “I thank my God” (Phil. 1:3). Would you do that? Do youthank God for your trials (cf. Jas. 1:2-4)? For what did Paul have to be thankful toGod?God will complete His work in you (1:6). You are a piece of clay in the Potter’s hand (Isa. 64:8). Trust Him. God has saved you (1:28). Others want to harm or discourage you, but God has delivered you (Psa. 34:17-19). God humbled Himself and died on the cross for you (Phil. 2:6-8). The one who existed as God from the beginning “emptied Himself” to “the point of death…on across.” There is no greater demonstration of His love (John 15:13).God works in you (2:12-13). God expects you to “work out your own salvation,” butHe does not leave you to do that on your own. His strength (Eph. 6:10) and direction(Psa. 119:105) are ever with you.God calls you to heaven (3:14). We must give up much for Him (3:3-13; Rom.12:1), but it is His “upward call” that provides the motivation (3:20-21).God gives you His peace (4:6-7). When you put your anxiety aside and lay your burdens on Him, His peace (John 14:27) soothes the soul (Psa. 46). God will be with you (4:9). While others may abandon you (Mark 14:50), God never will (Heb. 13:5). His ever-abiding presence gives you strength and courage (Josh.1:5-9).God will supply all your need (4:19). He cares for the birds and the flowers, and Hecares even more for you (Matt. 6:25-34). You “shall not lack any good thing” (Psa.34:10).No wonder Paul ends the letter by saying, “Now to our God and Father be glory forever and ever” (4:20)

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