Dearest sisters, at times we may feel alone and isolated, without fellowship or a Church, and realize that there are problems, persecution, and enemies all around. We don’t have to be full of these worldly cares and can know the peace of God with contentment. The Philippian epistle reminds us of saints who lived this physical reality. They probably also felt overwhelmed, everything being against them, and having no hope. However, these are Satan’s convincing lies which he desires all of us to embrace. Why? To derail, detour, shipwreck, and discourage.
This Church knew the spiritual answer was to trust things Paul taught about; the doctrine’s power and wisdom deposited in our inner man. Though invisible, it is our real help, enabling and empowering us to walk by faith. “But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed.” (2 Cor. 4:7-9) Ladies, we can see with spiritual eyes and a heart of faith, though circumstances look hopeless and we may sense fear and trembling, “For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.” (2 Cor. 4:16-17)
As we digest the doctrine in Philippians 4 it teaches us how to stand confident, though circumstances that seem dire, knowing that we “can do all things through Christ which strengthened me.” and “…my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 4:13,19) Our focus is to be above, off the physical realm. What we see and feel is temporal; trust the Lord Jesus Christ within us. This enables us to standfast and run the race to “press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 3:14)
Isaiah 6:8 has always been a great encouragement to me. Isaiah knew in part what he was volunteering for; it was not going to be an easy assignment, yet he spoke up without hesitation: “Also I heard the voice of the LORD, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me.” Personally, do you want this heart attitude to be yours, even though challenges, infirmities, and worldly obstacles seem to be in the way. We each can desire and be zealous to become all God intends for us as a servant and ambassador.
Think on This: As women who desire to graciously serve God in every aspect and role in our lives, our self-centered focus will diminish to focus above, prefer others, and trust Christ. As we fulfill this mission, we would learn contentment to stand fast and rejoice. The challenges are short lived and light and certainly, we are not alone or isolated.