May 20, 2025 -- Philippians 4:14 -- Sharing in troubles

People loved by the Father, in the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!

Yet it was kind of you to share my trouble. Philippians 4:14 ESV
 
In the verses 10 to 13 it almost sounded as if Paul were saying to the Philippians something along the lines of, I didn’t really need your gift, because I have learned to be content, whatever the circumstances and I alone can do all things through Him Who strengthens me. It is helpful to know that Paul did what Paul always does, he gives priority to thanking God and recognizing God’s gracious provision.
 
Second, he is now commending the Philippians, who are a channel of God’s grace to him. The translation here is rather bland. The Greek is certainly more vibrant and emotive. A possible translation would be: Yet you have done beautifully, fellowshipping with me in my affliction. The Philippians didn’t just send a gift to Paul; they have beautifully showed their solidarity with him. More than sharing his burdens, they are declaring before God their willingness to be partners with Paul in all his suffering (this is an echo of “for you are partakers with me of grace both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel” 1:7).
 
It raises the question, dear reader, what Christian do you support so deeply and truly that you are willing to endure hardship to support them? Perhaps it is a missionary for whom you give sacrificially? Perhaps it is a brother or a sister enduring very hard times, and you alter your schedule to spend time and listen. Paul is noting that this band of believers has gone above and beyond what could reasonably be expected. They do so out of love. They do so in devotion to Jesus as they bless a fellow servant of Christ.
 
It often seems to me that folks who sit in the pews are very ready to respond to a fellow Christian’s need they’ve just been made aware of by saying, “I hope you’ll be okay.” The problem is that’s where it seems to end. No wallet opens. No knees get calloused imploring God for His help. No prayers are immediately offered or Scripture shared with the wounded one. No schedules are changed to sit with the hurting person. There’s a simple pat on the back. Then the Christian moves on and leaves the other alone to face affliction. I wonder, to whom would you, before God, be able to speak saying: “You have done beautifully, fellowshipping with me in my affliction?” Or, if you are in a time of strength, who would say of you, “You have done beautifully, fellowshipping with me in my affliction?”
 
It can be profoundly lonely being a Christian. I urge you, turn to Jesus. Pour out your heart to Him. Trust that the Father is strengthening you by His Spirit so that you will know how wide and long and high and broad the love of Christ for you is. Next, ask the Spirit, who are You putting in my life, someone who might need me to walk with him? The passage today certainly is a call to deeper fellowship.
 
God of splendour and glory, heaven is Your throne and earth is Your footstool, what could any small creature such as we are, ever offer to You? Your word promises “this is the one to whom I will look: he who is humble and contrite in spirit and trembles at My word”. LORD GOD I renew my submission to You. Make me aware of the needs of those around me. Prepare me to give sacrificially. Equip Your servant with Your Spirit so that trembling at Your Word I may serve others and so share in the sufferings of Jesus even as I live in His resurrection power. Amen.
Today's prayer is based on Isaiah 66:1-2

https://youtu.be/FAK2SaKQ1NQ?si=uY6A6q49HD9N35CA A Christian’s Daily Prayer
 

Copyright © 2025 Sh'ma Christian Ministries, All rights reserved.