“I will continue to rejoice. For I know that as you pray for me and the Spirit of Jesus Christ helps me, this will lead to my deliverance” (Philippians 1:18-19 NLT).
When things are falling apart, don’t try to work it out yourself. Let God put the pieces back together.
If you’re facing a problem, you’ve got two options: You can worship or you can worry.
Paul says in Philippians 1:18-19, “I will continue to rejoice. For I know that as you pray for me and the Spirit of Jesus Christ helps me, this will lead to my deliverance” (NLT).
In that one Scripture, Paul reveals several sources of strength for staying positive and happy in tough times.
First, you have to keep God’s perspective on your problems. Paul says, “For I know.” It’s what you know that keeps you going. Paul knew God was working in the midst of his struggle, and he kept God’s bigger perspective.
Second, Paul had people praying for him, and that kept him going. Then he says, “The Spirit of Jesus Christ helps me.” The Holy Spirit also kept Paul going. Finally he says, “This will lead to my deliverance.” Paul had faith that God would work his problem for good.
Because he had God’s perspective, the prayer of friends, the Holy Spirit, and faith, Paul chose to “continue to rejoice.”
It’s your choice to rejoice.
Talk It Over
What does it look like to worship God in the midst of a struggle?
What people do you rely on for prayer support—people who genuinely and faithfully pray for your spiritual growth?
Think of a problem that you’re experiencing right now. How have you seen God work in the midst of your pain? What do you expect God to do in and through you because of this experience?
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This devotional © 2019 by Rick Warren. All rights reserved. Used by permission.
