What Have We Missed?

To begin this conversation I invite you to read the passage below; and then ask yourself: What am I hearing in Paul’s words to the Philippians?

Then I want you know (if you don’t already) where Paul is writing this passionate piece of advice.  To begin with, he is locked up in prison surrounded by people who have committed all manner of unkind and evil acts.  And he is writing to a community that is in the throws of conflict.  And yet his words are of rejoicing, gentleness, prayer, thanksgiving and peace.  This is a person who has learned to be extraordinarily content with what life is offering at the moment.  Completely confident in God’s presence and guidance within it all.  

11 Not that I am referring to being in need; for I have learned to be content with whatever I have. 12 I know what it is to have little, and I know what it is to have plenty. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being well-fed and of going hungry, of having plenty and of being in need. 13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

How do you suppose that happens?  I mean, that someone who has been through persecution and arrest for his faith — now sitting in the midst of robber and murders — so confident in God’s care and provisions.  I don’t know about you, but I think it is highly exceptional for the human constitution — the human nature.  However, it is because of this confidence — his complete faith — that we would be wise to pay attention.  We would be wise to sit and reflect on what he seems to know; that maybe we have missed in our own faith journey. 

7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Put yourself in Paul’s place. Just imagine your attitude at the moment.  I cannot help but think that you and I would be sitting there thinking: “It’s not fair!”  We might even be pouting a lot!  Maybe looking at the people we are surrounded by thinking: “They deserve to be here.  They have committed a crime.  I just told people about Jesus!”  Maybe we would wonder where God is in our unfair circumstances.

But no!  No, Paul instead encourages his friend to be honorable.  Tells them not to worry about anything.  Just pray —  make “your requests be made know to God.” 

Did you catch the one thing Paul does not do or say?  He does not complain, or say poor me, or whine about his unfortunate situation. He is just grateful for the support these people have offer to him.  He is grateful for their faith.  He is grateful for God’s presence in his life and in theirs.  

What is it that we are missing in this faith we claim to have?

1 Therefore, my brothers and sisters, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, my beloved. 2 I urge Euodia and I urge Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. 3 Yes, and I ask you also, my loyal companion, help these women, for they have struggled beside me in the work of the gospel, together with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are in the book of life. 4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. 5 Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. 6 Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 9 Keep on doing the things that you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you. 10 I rejoice in the Lord greatly that now at last you have revived your concern for me; indeed, you were concerned for me, but had no opportunity to show it. 11 Not that I am referring to being in need; for I have learned to be content with whatever I have. 12 I know what it is to have little, and I know what it is to have plenty. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being well-fed and of going hungry, of having plenty and of being in need. 13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me…..19 And my God will fully satisfy every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. 20 To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.(Phil. 4)