Walking Forward, Looking Back

As I was reading in Philippians 1 this morning, I was reminded about God's faithfulness in accomplishing in us the work that He calls us to do. Paul was facing a variety of challenges, not all of which were bad. In some cases he was faced with two seemingly good choices, yet decisions needed to be made.

• Early in the passage Paul comments on his prayer for the Philippian believers. He gives thanks to God for them and mentions them often in his prayers. As I read that statement, I was reminded of my need to pray for those who have influenced my life. Though God may have moved me on, my responsibility to pray for them remains unchanged. Paul's prayer included a desire for the church to have a love that grew in knowledge and in judgment. Part of Paul's desire for the believers was that they gain discernment and live a life above reproach.
• Paul makes note of the fact that the same God who calls us enables us. God will not call us to a task without giving us the ability (daily) to complete the task.
•  Paul understood that though he faced many difficulties, those difficulties were all ordained of God and were intended to accomplish a purpose that was the will of God. It was his place to live obediently, not to try to solve the problems.
• Paul dealt with people who sought to serve God and he dealt with people who sought to discredit him; his response was that the gospel was being preached, regardless of the motive of the preacher.
• We need to understand, as Paul did, that this world is not to be our focus and it is not our highest priority. Whether we live or die, we live for Him. What is really important in life? If His will is done, should we not be satisfied?