SUP With Me: Words of Inspiration
The Spirit of Perseverance
Is it possible to encourage others when you are in an undesirable situation? We can all likely agree that this would be a very difficult task to complete, let alone, remaining encouraged ourselves.
In Philippians, Chapter 1, Paul was in a predicament which we would not willingly want to experience. He was incarcerated! Despite his current location and lack of freedom, Paul still carried out his assignment by writing a letter to the people of the church of Phillipi to encourage them in their salvation and how to live it out in the world. If you’ve never read this book of the bible, you would be surprised by the optimism, joy, and peace that he displayed, although he awaited the verdict of the Imperial Court, which could be unfavorable for his life.
Paul knew what he was called to do for the Lord and for His people. He could have given up and become hopeless in completing his mission, due to his circumstance of being physically detained. Often times, we let trials and tribulations determine how we live our lives in that moment and may let these tests have a permanent impact on our being. This may distract or completely deter us from completing what God has assigned us to do.
1 Peter 2:21
For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you. He is your example, and you must follow in his steps.
NLT
Paul’s understanding and belief of Christ’s suffering allowed him to endure his own suffering with boldness and courage while carrying out his mission for the Lord. He chose to focus on spiritual things and his higher calling. This fueled his ability to help the church of Philippi gain greater understanding of their heavenly purpose on earth as God’s people.
In 1 Peter Chapter 2, verses 18-23, we are provided descriptions of the example that Christ lived in doing good for humanity while enduring hardship and suffering along the way. Christ exchanged His deity to walk as man but without sin with one goal. He completed His Father’s will, even unto death and His resurrection, that the lives of many would be saved and transformed forever living in fellowship with Him.
Matters of life are constantly changing. God never said that life would be without trials and tribulations, but indeed we are encouraged to count it joy, even in the midst of our sufferings, which builds great patience and perseverance.
Romans 5:2-5
2 Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory.
3 We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance.
4 And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation.
5 And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.
Romans 5:2-5 (NLT)
In this, we may experience the victory He has won for us. Let your mind be sober and vigilant remembering that we are spiritual beings carrying out God’s will for His glory! Our lives are not our own, but they belong to God. His will, not ours be done; His glory, not our personal gain be pursued and accomplished at all costs just as Paul exhibited for us.
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