READING: Philippians 1-4
I love it when the Bible shows us that Satan's strategies ultimately wind up turning on him — when the schemer’s schemes turn on the schemer.
Paul described such a time in his letter to the Philippians. The apostle was writing from a prison cell (likely in Rome), and surely the enemy was pleased when the missionary evangelist was removed from the streets. Paul knew, though, that his imprisonment not only did not hurt the gospel; it actually prospered the work: “Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel. As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. And because of my chains, most of the brothers and sisters have become confident in the Lord and dare all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear” (Phil 1:13-14).
We know that prison walls never stopped Paul from proclaiming the Word. Just as he and Silas shared the gospel with the Philippian jailor in Acts 16, he spoke the good news to the whole palace when imprisoned in Rome, beginning with the guards. Then, his boldness while in prison inspired other believers to keep evangelizing without fear. The enemy must have thought that he had won, but instead he found his neck in his own noose.
Paul, in fact, came to the place where death didn’t worry him. He trusted that he would have “sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death” (Phil 1:20). He also learned to be content “whatever the circumstances,” whether he was fed or hungry, living in plenty or in need (Phil 4:11-12). Through prayer and petition, he could lay aside his worries, experience the peace of God, and rejoice (Phil 4:4-7). He knew three truths that ought to challenge us today: he wanted to know Christ, the one before whom “every knee should bow” (Phil 2:10, 3:10); he could do all things through Christ who gives him strength (Phil 4:13); and, God would supply all his needs (Phil 4:19).
You see, when you come to the place that living for Jesus is all that matters, dying for Him is no longer frightening. Indeed, “to die is gain” (Phil 1:21) — and the seeming end becomes the glorious beginning to eternity with God.
ACTION STEPS:
- Think of a time when it appeared the enemy was winning in your life, but God used the situation for His glory. Thank Him for the victory, even if you didn’t realize the victory at the time.
- Take some time to memorize Philippians 4:8 — and train your mind to think as the text demands.
PRAYER: “Thank You, God, for being stronger than the enemy I face. Help me to live for You and to be willing to suffer for You.”
TOMORROW’S READING: Colossians 1-4