Our Work Cut Out...

Philippians 1:3-4,6 -- vs. 3-4: "I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always offering prayer with joy in my every prayer for you all."  vs. 6: "For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus."

I can SMELL the damp stone floor and molding straw sparsely peppering the lumps underneath the cold and achy feet of Paul as he sat under a window straining to catch the stingy light trickling through in order to get his letter written. It was THAT important to him - this letter penned - that he might encourage a small church in Philippi while he sat under lock and key. His thoughts of himself weren't the thoughts that I'd probably have in his situation. No, they were only of himself in that he could not move forward in God's plan and reach out to cheer on a growing church. They were only of himself in the frustration he felt that he could not reach others who had not heard about Jesus Christ while strapped to heavy chains. In his uncomfortable shoes, I'd probably be whining that I'd been falsely imprisoned or left in horrible and inhumane conditions. I'd probably raise my voice in loud protest as the rats and the roaches ran about freely while I couldn't even move away from the terrible public bathroom smell because the crusty, rusty chains about my feet and hands didn't have the slack I needed to move very far.

I read on in awe, that Paul offers a prayer with boundless joy in his heart. I can see a small grin on his face while he flicks fleas off his arm and continues to jot down his thoughts - because his heart is focused on the great love he has for the church and for his Savior. In fact, I think the mostly dark room must have had an un-earthly glow to it as the warm love of Jesus poured out of Paul in the middle of a dank, stale environment. Paul finds joy - he even sounds a little excited - because he KNOWS that Jesus will continue a good work in the lives of those fellow believers in Philippi. He revels in the confidence he has in his Savior, Jesus Christ. 

Here is a dirty, tired, and most likely bruised man - thrown into some of the most unimaginable conditions - smiling to himself with a priceless joy.

WOW!

It feels strange now, that I grumble under my breath and express that I must surly have my work cut out for me this month. A losing battle with bone-crushing fatigue sets my tongue to wagging about the long list of things I need to accomplish in the next two weeks while still trying to recoup from a stint in the hospital and a whirl-wind Christmas. In fact, my grumbling is really rather silly in comparison to the obstacles set before Paul. 

I am so very grateful that God grants us a swift kick in the pants to prod us back to the right path and the right attitude. I am so very thankful for the living Word of God!! For the hope He has gifted - to which we can cling when we THINK we are fighting an up-hill battle. 

You and Me? ... as we rest our tushies on a rather comfortable chair or sofa with ample softness and put pen to paper regarding our to-do list - let us reach down deep and find the priceless joy that set Paul on fire for the Lord! Notice .... Paul didn't pray for HIMSELF with joy -- he prayed for OTHERS! Sometimes, the best way for you and I to fight our own battles is to help some-one else with theirs! After all, we can say with the utmost of confidence that we KNOW Jesus will continue the good work He has begun in our fellow believers! Let us celebrate with them! Let us share that wonderful, priceless joy!!

Thank you, Father - for the much needed attitude adjustment! I pray You continue Your good work and I will endeavor to ever-be obedient!