Whether we like it or not, the reality is that there will always be new challenges that we have to hurdle. Every day we face new challenges.
These challenges oftentimes bring stress, discouragements, and disappointments. But Paul is teaching us to turn to God and pray for strength.
In Philippians 4:13, Paul wrote: “I can do everything through Christ who gives me strength.”
Why was Paul praying for strength? What were the challenges of Paul in Philippians? Let us learn what Paul did when he faced challenges.
First, the challenge of being in chains.
Paul wrote to the Christians in Philippi while he was in chains. Paul turned this challenge into a blessing. There are three things that Paul listed here.
Philippians 1:12 says, “Now I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel.”
Because of Paul’s imprisonment, he became a writer. The most successful ministry of Paul was his writing ministry. Almost half (48 percent) of the books in our New Testament are from Paul. These are the letters of Paul that were mostly written while in prison. Paul created and made use of an opportunity out of the adversary.
Philippians 1:13: “As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ.”
Paul shared the Gospel to the guards. He could have been bitter and blamed the Lord. Instead, he saw it as an opportunity to share the Gospel.
Philippians 1:14: “Because of my chains, most of the brothers in the Lord have been encouraged to speak the word of God more courageously and fearlessly.”
The other Christians were inspired by what happened to Paul. They were now ready to become martyrs also for the sake of the Gospel. They were inspired by the idea that if Paul could do it in prison, why not us who are not in prison.
Second, the challenge of conflicts in the church.
In Philippians 4:2, Paul wrote: “I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to agree with each other in the Lord.”
These two women had an interpersonal relationship that affected the church. Just imagine that the names of these two women are in the Bible because of their interpersonal conflict.
Conflicts are inevitable. They are bound to happen. We are all human beings. There are many churches that were divided because of interpersonal conflicts. But what can we do? What is the advice of Paul?
We must put into heart his advice written in Philippians 2:1-5: “If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus.”
We oftentimes focus on how we are different rather than how we are alike. If we see ourselves as a group which has a common goal, conflicts become healthy and can offer an opportunity for growth.
Third, the challenge of financial troubles.
Paul had financial troubles. He was working as a tent maker, but it was not enough. In Philippians he wrote that he was in chains. So, he was in need of money.
In Philippians 4:10 and 14, Paul thanked the Christians in Philippi because of their financial help. “I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles.”
Paul received their gifts that they sent through Epaphroditus. In turn, Paul prayed to God to bless them. Philippians 4:19 says, “And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.”
Fourth, the challenge of discipleship.
Discipleship is about our lifestyle first and foremost. People have to see it in our lives. Jesus said, “come and follow me.” Can we say that?
Paul wrote that they should follow what he has done. Philippians 4:9 says, “Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me or seen in me–put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.”
Paul trained two disciples that he mentioned here: Timothy and Epaphroditus. He gave them words of approval. Though they may be young, they have lived up to the expectations of Paul.
For Timothy he said, “I have no one else like him, who takes a genuine interest in your welfare.” (Philippians 2:20)
For Epaphroditus he said, “Welcome him in the Lord with great joy, and honor men like him,” (Phi 2:29)
Our churches must train our young people. We must invest in them like what Paul did. We must endeavor to pass on what we have learned in our time to the younger generation. Discipleship and mentoring do not happen overnight. To ensure that our faith lives on, let us pass it on.
Like Paul, let us pray to turn the challenges in life as life-changing opportunities. God gave Paul the strength to hurdle the challenges in his life. Because of this we are assured that God will also strengthen us as we face the challenges that will surely come our way.
Let us pray that each and one of us will see light in every challenge that we face. – NWI
