Whatever happens… are we ready?
Philippians 1:27-29 “Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved—and that by God. For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him,”
When we become believers and followers of Christ, we hear about the wonderful ways we’ll enjoy God’s blessings, mercy and grace. What we don’t often spend time considering is the cost of following Jesus. For those of us living in the West, that’s not really something we’re confronted with very often. But believers in closed countries where Christianity is outlawed, the cost is understood….and sometimes, believers pay with their lives. And they’re willing. That should make us pause and do some introspection. Is our faith strong or are we inch-deep with fragile roots? And are we ready….for whatever happens...?
There is an ever-growing pressure on believers, worldwide. Media, social and otherwise, decries our faith and our convictions as intolerant and abrasive. Believers are taunted, pressured, and shamed in an effort to pressure us to relent and relinquish the standards of our faith and soften our convictions. The goal is that we would substitute our Lord for a lesser god that would not be offensive to those living in darkness and pursuing sin. It’s true, to unbelievers Jesus is the Rock that makes them stumble and the stone that makes them fall (1 Pet 2:8). This world is trying to diminish the power of the gospel and defame the name of Christ. Christians are becoming more and more a target of ridicule and, in some countries, persecution and abuse. And, friends, it’s only going to increase. We are witnessing a battle between darkness and light unfold before our eyes. We have to be ready. So, how do we prepare our hearts and minds?
Scripture tell us we are called to suffer for Christ. Are we ready? When everything starts to circle the drain (and at some point, it will), nothing else will matter. When money is worthless and governments fall, when disorder reigns and religious freedom is a thing of the past, we need to be confident that our sons and daughters will stand firm in their faith. We want to be confident they will live by their convictions and they would be willing to give their all for Christ. Friends, it’s happening in some places now. Who is to say any nation would be immune? Will our sons and daughters have a faith strong enough to withstand the pressure, the persecution? Will they have an eternal perspective that allows them to view these light and momentary troubles as nothing compared to the eternal reward God has waiting?
We need to be on our knees praying a hedge of protection, a spiritual shield around our sons and daughters. And it’s likely we’re pretty good at that, it’s likely we’ve been pleading for God’s protection since they were born. But we also need to pray that they will be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might (Eph. 6:10). We need to pray that WHATEVER HAPPENS…. Whatever (that’s a hard word to wrap our Momma minds around, isn’t it?) Whatever happens, that our sons and daughters would conduct themselves in a manner worthy of the gospel: suitable and befitting the gospel of Christ.
Let’s take time this week to memorize and pray through Philippians 1:27-29. God’s word never returns void. Scripture renews our minds. And you’ll begin to see how Philippians 1:27-29 applies to so many things around you. Memorize, and then let’s pray for our sons and daughters:
That whatever happens, they would conduct themselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Worthy of Christ- oh how we should crave that as our heart’s desire.
That they would stand firm in the Spirit. They need to be listening to and sensitive to the Holy Spirit in their life.
That they would strive, together with other believers, for the faith of the gospel. This means they need to be in fellowship with other believers.
That they would not be afraid of those who oppose them. (Can they spot the opposition?)
That they would have confidence they will be saved by the Lord- He’s marked them as His own.
If they are not walking with the Lord, pray that the Holy Spirit would stir in their heart and bring them to repentance.
Pray that they would be ready, and willing, to suffer for Christ. 1 Peter 4:13 “But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.” and that they would be rejoicing that His glory will be revealed in them.
We have a full week’s worth of prayer here. Be sure to set aside time to enjoy focused prayer. It’s not a drive-through, it’s more of a sit down meal. Take your time to savor this time with the Lord.
Consider journaling your thoughts and prayers. Deepening your prayer life is not a ‘quick process’, but a deliberate one that requires you to be thoughtful and intentional and willing. Write down how the Lord is speaking to you and note how He’s taking you deeper into prayer. How do you see Him working? And if you’re willing, share with us!
Pray without ceasing, friends.
Philippians 1:27-29 “Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved—and that by God. For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him,”