Today’s scripture: Philippians 1:18-30 (NRSV) (The Message) (KJV) What might God be saying to me?
My thoughts (David Zier):
What would it mean for me to exalt Christ in my body? I don’t think Paul is only meaning the physical body. I think Paul is talking about exalting Christ with all that he is: body, mind, and soul.
I have a friend who is very inspirational to me. She is always positive, and always sees the good in people, and in every situation. She is also a very prayerful, contemplative person. Perhaps there are exceptions because I don’t spend every minute of the day with her, but it is what I observe. When her father died, she was very sad. She mourned with her mother, her family, and on her own. She took the time to reflect on her life with her father, even the things that were not so comfortable. Times with her dad were not always so easy, growing up or even as an adult. But through all of her mourning and reflection, she took the time to be introspective and learn more about herself, whom God created her to be; and she dealt with the negative feelings and qualities of her Dad. She used it as an opportunity for growth and growing closer to God. Shortly afterward, she faced illnesses and then surgery, and then her mom’s illnesses and surgery. Even in the feeling bad, and driving back and forth to her mom’s, she chose to learn about peace and patience instead of inconvenience. She chose to be joyful in the opportunities that she was presented with for growth.
Returning to Paul and today’s passage, I can imagine Paul sitting there in prison writing this letter in the same way as my friend in the story I shared. He is going through a difficult time, possibly a death sentence; but he is using the time to strengthen his faith, be joyful, and grow closer to God.
“Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, for I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ this will turn out for my deliverance. It is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be put to shame in any way, but that by my speaking with all boldness, Christ will be exalted now as always in my body, whether by life or by death” (verses 18b-21).
I will admit that there are life situations that are so extreme that it can be difficult to see God or feel God. This is why practicing the presence of God is so important in our lives. Quiet time, prayer, worship, being a generous person, serving others, praising God, asking for forgiveness, and having a heart of gratitude all help us to grow deeper in our faith. It helps us to keep our spiritual muscles working and to bring us peace and comfort in those difficult times of life. I can imagine Paul having plenty of quiet time and praying, and he was being prayed for as well.
Prayer for the day: God, help me to grow closer to you and stronger in my faith. Grant me the peace that Paul lived with in that jail cell. Help me to do the things that will empower me to grow into that peace and deeper faith. Amen.
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the suggestions on the How to Pray page.