Day 30 - What God is Doing in You During a Pandemic | Firm Foundation Devotional
The book of Philippians was written to encourage believers during a difficult time. The Apostle Paul wrote this letter from prison. Paul writes to encourage the Christians at Philippi to live joyfully in every circumstance, something that he had proved in his own circumstance of incarceration and deprivation. This occurred at the time when Emperor Nero ruled the Roman Empire and was very cruel towards Christians. From a difficult place in his life and the life of the church, the Paul wrote about JOY in his letter to the Philippians. He wrote of joy 16 times in this brief letter. In an epistle of 104 verses, he used the name of Jesus 51 times.
During our present COVID-19 pandemic, we can draw a many lessons from the apostle Paul and the Christians of his day.
Again, Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ. (Philippians 1:6)
What is that good work in you begun by God? That “good work” is not only what you have done, it is what God has done, and is doing, in you.
1. He is making Christ Followers “lights in the world."
Philippians 2:13, for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure. 14 Do all things without complaining and disputing, 15 that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world,
2. He is making you dependable and trustworthy:
Philippians 2:19 But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you shortly, that I also may be encouraged when I know your state. 20 For I have no one like-minded, who will sincerely care for your state. 21 For all seek their own, not the things which are of Christ Jesus.
3. He is making you aware of the pitfalls and dangers
Philippians 3:1, Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. For me to write the same things to you is not tedious, but for you it is safe. 2 Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the mutilation!
4. He is helping you press forward
Philippians 3:13 Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, 14 I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
5. He has removed your anxiety and guarding your heart and mind
Philippians 4:6 Be anxious for nothing, 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 minds through Christ Jesus.
6. He has made you a giver and is supplying all your need
Philippians 4:15 Now you Philippians know also that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church shared with me concerning giving and receiving but you only. 16 For even in Thessalonica you sent aid once and again for my necessities. 17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account. 18 Indeed I [g]have all and abound. I am full, having received from Epaphroditus the things sent from you, a sweet-smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God. 19 And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
Reflection Question: What is the good work that God is doing in you during 2020?
Action Item(s) Based on Understanding:
Again, Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ. (Philippians 1:6)
What is that good work in you begun by God? That “good work” is not only what you have done, it is what God has done, and is doing, in you.
WHAT GOD IS DOING IN YOU
1. He is making Christ Followers “lights in the world."
Philippians 2:13, for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure. 14 Do all things without complaining and disputing, 15 that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world,
2. He is making you dependable and trustworthy:
Philippians 2:19 But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you shortly, that I also may be encouraged when I know your state. 20 For I have no one like-minded, who will sincerely care for your state. 21 For all seek their own, not the things which are of Christ Jesus.
3. He is making you aware of the pitfalls and dangers
Philippians 3:1, Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. For me to write the same things to you is not tedious, but for you it is safe. 2 Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the mutilation!
4. He is helping you press forward
Philippians 3:13 Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, 14 I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
5. He has removed your anxiety and guarding your heart and mind
Philippians 4:6 Be anxious for nothing, 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 minds through Christ Jesus.
6. He has made you a giver and is supplying all your need
Philippians 4:15 Now you Philippians know also that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church shared with me concerning giving and receiving but you only. 16 For even in Thessalonica you sent aid once and again for my necessities. 17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account. 18 Indeed I [g]have all and abound. I am full, having received from Epaphroditus the things sent from you, a sweet-smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God. 19 And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
Reflection Question: What is the good work that God is doing in you during 2020?
Action Item(s) Based on Understanding:
If you have been blessed by any part or all of this Firm Foundation November Devotional, consider making a donation. Thank you!
Bryan Hudson, D.Min.
