May 19, 2025 -- Philippians 4:10-13 -- Resiliency

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I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. 11 Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. 12 I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. 13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
Philippians 4:10-13 ESV
 
The buzz word at last week’s prison chaplain conference was “resiliency”. A person can endure a lot if he knows why he is doing it. Several times and in several ways it was stated, “If you know your why you can endure whatever comes at you”. It makes sense. Look at the example of Paul. His “why”, his keen awareness of his life’s purpose, is the fact that he can do all things through Jesus Who strengthens him.
 
Look at the hardships he endured. He is writing from prison. He had been in need financially and in need of human companionship. He had been brought low—if you know much about Paul’s life, you’ll know how true that is. He has been beaten, often. He was shipwrecked. An angry mob threw stones at him till they thought he was dead. Yet at verse 10 he can write that he rejoices in the Lord greatly! The reason he can endure all of that, and more, is his confidence and strength come from his relationship with Jesus Christ.
 
Jesus has endured all things, willingly, perfectly, so that all who believe in Him will be saved from the wrath of God which is poured out against sinners. Jesus endured the punishment of God’s wrath against sin so that all who believe in Jesus no longer face God’s punishment. Those who believe in Jesus will, as He did, suffer. It is part of the Christian life. Believers do not suffer in order to be saved. No. They believe. They are saved in Christ Jesus and rejoicing in their connection with the Most High God, obey Him out of reverent joy. Believers in Jesus Christ know their citizenship is in heaven—whatever happens here on earth, those who are in Christ know the Savior will transform their lowly, sin-racked bodies to be like His glorious body. Through-out eternity any possibility of sinning has been vanquished, and those in Christ will be capable of Spirit-empowered ever-increasing delight in His presence.
 
Do you know your why? What sustains you through your worst day or your hardest fight? I urge you to reach out to a Christian friend when you find your resiliency is low, or faltering, and ask “What keeping you going when the going is tough?” Ask her “What helps to you to stand when so many others have been knocked down?” Believers know their why, their purpose in Christ, so they can endure all things, hope all things, believe all things. Jesus’ love for them never fails. In response, those deeply loved, declare “I can do all things through Him strengthens me”.
 
Father in heaven I know that I have not already obtained the fullness of resurrection life in Jesus, nor am I already perfect; but I know this, Jesus has made me His own. As such I know I am Your beloved child. What privilege and blessing You have given me. Spirit of God, deepen my conviction and faith-filled confidence that I can do all things through Christ Who strengthens me, and this to the honour and glory of Your Name. Amen.
 
https://youtu.be/fYqo54MBxdc?si=Brq9KgOS2KiTtydd My Worth is Not in What I Own
 

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