Paul was Called to preach in Philippi but was taken there in a very roundabout way, but he still preached the Gospel and led people to Jesus. He didn’t let disappointment be his focus rather he remained faithful to his Calling.
What a challenge it would have been especially imprisoned and chained up, but even in that dark place he still sung hymns and praises to God which led to more people being saved.
Called to write
I dreamt of writing a book at a very young age, I even drafted up a picture book with a friend that my mum sent to publishers. Without any success life then got busy with other things and I wasn’t writing. I found journalling helpful in my 20’s and then in my 30’s I had the idea of writing about my journey with endometriosis, so I typed away for months but then my computer died and I lost everything so I gave up. In 2016 I was forced, through illness, to stop working and I began to reassess my life. It was a really dark period in my life. It was hard to analyse. It was hard to know what I wanted to do next because my passions had all been drain away. Relief came when I began to pour out my frustrations, fears and darkest moments through writing. It was therapeutic to write. But it slowly shifted from therapy to a stirring that maybe I was actually Called to write.
Give thanks
Paul challenges us to give thanks in the midst of everything. Whoa that’s a tough challenge and one I have failed at many times. How is this even possible? Let’s look firstly at some context behind the letter. Paul is writing to a young church that he is trying to encourage to stay faithful to the teachings of Christ. It is a deeply personal letter where Paul offers wise and practical advice on how to live our lives with gratitude, grace and glory.
In verses 16-18 Paul identifies 3 areas of our lives to focus on:
- Joy unbounded
- Continuous prayer
- Giving thanks despite what is happening in our lives
These virtues can be developed because we have Christ living within us.
Reflection
It’s a huge challenge to be faithful to my Call to be a writer. I am so easily distracted by life, my physical limitations means that my body demands rest and so being productive is impossible. I know that I have allowed disappointment to rob me of moments. So, I am grateful that I have found a spot of energy to gather this together.
How about you?
What do you feel you are Called to do?
Have you been struggling?
Prayer
Here’s a prayer you can join me in praying:
Lord, that You for this reminder today. I want to let go of disappointment; I no longer want it to be a focus or a distraction. Help me to remain faithful to my Calling, to set aside moments to write. Jesus, I thank You that You call me Your own. I ask You to outwork in my life joy unbounded, may joy be abundant and free flowing in and through my life. Help my life to be a continuous prayer, I pray that You would be in the midst of every moment of my day. Soften my heart so that I can see the big and little things that You are doing. Let thanks, a deep gratitude, flow from my heart NO matter what is happening in my life. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
I hope this has been an encouragement to you, I’d love to hear from you.
Many blessings,
Keona
Inspired by this verse:
“And in the midst of everything be always giving thanks, for this is God’s perfect plan for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (TPT)
And The Passion Translation footnotes on verse 18.