Faithful God

Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.  Philippians 1:2

From Guest Blogger Colin Proft:

Take a few minutes to read the entire first chapter of Philippians, reflecting on all that we’ve covered this week:

Joyful in Hope. Paul and Timothy were writing to family. They had great joy because of their fellowship — koinōnia — with their Christian brothers and sisters. They also had the joy of knowing Christ Jesus our Lord. They had an unshakeable joy because of the hope of eternal life with God.

“It is right for me to feel this way about you, since I have you in my heart” (Phil. 1:7). “Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever” (Ps. 73:25-26).

Patient in Affliction. Paul was writing to the Philippians from prison. He was an incredible model of patient endurance. What was the secret to his patience and joy? Paul kept his eyes fixed on heavenly, not on earthly, things.

“Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal” (2 Cor. 4:16-18).

Faithful in Prayer. Paul constantly remembered the Philippians (and all the other churches) in prayer. As he prayed for them, so too, they were praying for him. Paul confidently asserted that, through the Philippians prayers and God’s provision, his imprisonment would turn out for his deliverance. It was through their prayers that he was strengthened! “And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel” (Eph. 6:18-19).

God is Faithful. Lastly, God is faithful. He will not abandon us or leave us as orphans. He is faithful to us even when we are faithless. It is true that the Lord rebukes those who go astray, but “Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline” (Rev. 3:19). God disciplines us for our good — that we may share in His holiness (Heb. 12:10). “Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you” (Heb. 13:5).

Prayer: Father, You continue to sustain us in every need. Help me turn my eyes toward You and live a life worthy of the Gospel. Amen.