Saturday, September 1, 2007
Philippians 1:19-21 For I know that this will turn out for my deliverance through your prayer and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, according to my earnest expectation and hope that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.
IN THE LORD'S HANDS
When the apostle Paul wrote these words to the believers who were in Philippi, he was in prison in Rome. He had been put in prison in Jerusalem as a troublemaker, and when they refused to release him, he appealed to Rome. The empire of Rome did not look with favor upon Christians and Paul had been kept in prison for almost four years. It is obvious that Paul was not sure what the outcome of his appeal would be. It was quite possible that his enemies would prevail and he would be condemned for treachery and put to death.
Although Paul did not know what the future held for him, he trusted that the LORD would use the situation for the furtherance of the Holy Christian church -- whatever the outcome: "For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain."
Like Paul, we also may be torn between these two possibilities. Like Paul, we may often prefer that the LORD take us from this vale of tears to be with Him in the eternal joy of heaven -- especially as we grow older and face increasing difficulties with health related issues. We may wonder why the LORD would keep us here in our frail and weakened state. Paul struggled with this. He said, "For I am hard pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better. Nevertheless to remain in the flesh is more needful for you" (vv. 23-24). Paul didn't think only of his longing to be with the LORD, but remembered that the LORD may still be able to use him in this life to help bring the good news of salvation to others.
Even though we may be struggling with a difficult situation in our lives, we must remember that our times are in the LORD's hands. Let the prayer of the apostle Paul be ours as well, which looks forward to Life with Him, but also looks for every opportunity, while we are here, to be a light in this world to those around us!
E'en down to old age all My people shall prove
My sovereign, eternal, unchangeable love;
And when hoary hairs shall their temples adorn,
Like lambs they shall still in My bosom be borne.
(The Lutheran Hymnal, 427:6)
