As Paul the apostle
contemplated sending Timothy to checkup on the church members in
Philippi, he thought of himself having the opportunity to visit them
as well. In Philippians chapter two and verse twenty-four we see who
Paul relies upon as he desires to go see them. We read:
But I trust in the Lord
that I also myself shall come shortly.
The
verse begins, “But I trust in the Lord...” Although Paul
had a desire to go see the Philippian church members, he knew that
his personal fate was in jeopardy. As he sat in the Roman prison for
sharing the gospel, he didn't know if he was to be set free or die
for preaching the good news of Jesus Christ. He once again with his
personal uncertainty employs the disassociation word “But”
and then wrote, “I trust in the Lord”. His trust was not
in himself or his own thoughts, but rather in the Lord.
The
verse continues, “...that I also myself shall come shortly.”
Paul declared what his trust in the Lord was directed towards, that
he “also myself shall come shortly”. In other words even
in the prospect of going to visit the Philippians, Paul placed his
trust, faith and confidence in the Lord. His desire was to go see
them, but he knew that his future was uncertain. He placed his belief
in the Lord to decide whether he would go to them or not.
When we
have times of uncertainty, where do we place our trust? Do we look to
ourselves, our schemes, our plans or our thoughts? Do we rely upon
others who though well meaning cannot know for certain our future, or
do we place our trust in the Lord for the outcome? As we ponder
Paul's words, perhaps his trusting in the Lord whether he visits the
Philippians or not will be an inspiration for us to “trust in
the Lord” for everything we desire whether big or small. May
the Lord give us the wisdom, courage and strength to fully rely upon
Him in everything.
Next
time Paul mentions
Epaphroditus,
so read ahead, and we shall join together then.
Until
tomorrow...there is more...
Look
for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From
Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be
Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the
Mount” in all major bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ;
www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at
www.mrzlc.com/bookstore
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