Scripture Reference: Philippians 1:12-25

God Can Give Us Sufficient Courage for Every Situation We Face

Read Philippians 1:19-25 for insight into this section.

As you read this section of Paul’s letter, you see this is not the whimper of one who is defeated. Rather, it is the shout of someone victorious. Paul tells the Philippians that it matters little what the Romans do to him. Already much good has come from his sufferings. He also knows that Christ will give him strength and courage for every problem that lies ahead.

His release from prison is not his primary concern. His chief concern is “that in nothing shall I be ashamed.” He will be sustained in every trial through the prayers of the Philippians and “the supply [help]” that the Holy Spirit provides.

Glorifying Jesus is primary. It’s been rightly stated that: “Paul wants to meet his fate, whether life or death, with such dignity and spirit that all may see what Christ means to him.”

“For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain,” is one of Paul’s best-known statements. Christ had given meaning to Paul’s life. Death held no terror for Paul. Whether he lived or died was entirely up to Jesus Christ. God will give Paul courage and faith whichever way it goes.

Multitudes of Christians through the centuries have read these moving words of Paul and have found courage and new faith in them, for they are a resounding testimony to the God of sufficiency! When some problem has been almost too heavy to bear, or when some crisis or sorrow has all but squeezed the life out of us, many of us have read these words and have gone back to face life with fresh courage.

In conclusion, let me leave you with this: “I grow under the burden,” is the motto of one of the Scottish clans. Indeed! If we Christians learn the lessons darkness teaches, we shall continue to grow in Christlikeness. But if we don’t choose to learn, our lives will forever be spiritually stunted, for the truth is that much of life is spent in dark and shadowy places and it is only Christ Jesus who can bring us the light needed to grow!

Unless otherwise noted, Scripture taken from the New King James Version®, NKJV © 1982 by Thomas Nelson.
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