Fridays in Philippians – Joy In Adversity

Thanks for joining me for our Fridays in Philippians Devotion.  Today we’re looking at Chapter 1 and verses 12-14:

¹² But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel; ¹³ So that my bonds in Christ are manifest in all the palace, and in all other places; ¹⁴ And many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.

Philippians is a book about joy. It gives us the secrets to finding joy. It shows us how to preserve joy – even through tribulation and adversity. This passage in Philippians teaches us that true joy is not affected by external circumstances.

Paul was in a very difficult situation, yet still possessed deep, inner joy. His adverse circumstances did not rob him of his joy or affect his positive outlook. He was in prison while writing the Book of Philippians. He had been falsely accused and mistreated. Even some, who claimed to be Christians, were mistreating Paul and taking advantage of his imprisonment. They saw Paul’s incarceration as an opportunity to advance their own personal agenda. But even in the middle of his troubles, look at what Paul said in verse 12:

“Now I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel.” (NIV)

What an incredible attitude! He says, “Listen, brothers, don’t pity me. Don’t feel sorry for me. All that has happened to me has served to advance the Gospel!” Paul had the opportunity to share the gospel with the soldiers that were guarding him.  Other Christians in the region were embolden by Paul’s situation and were proclaiming the Gospel with more fire than ever before.  Although Paul was being mistreated, abused and unjustly accused, he kept a positive attitude and didn’t let his difficult circumstances rob him of his joy!

It is often difficult to see the good when you’re in the middle of difficulty. When you are suffering, in pain or have experienced loss, tragedy or death – it is hard to keep a good attitude. It’s difficult to keep the right spirit when you are being unfairly treated or falsely accused. So many people under such circumstances fall into a state of self-pity or begin to posture themselves as a victim.

But Paul finds the good! In this terribly difficult time, he finds the silver lining. What a great attitude to have – to be able to find the good even in adverse circumstances. He says, I may be in prison, but as a result of my bonds, the Gospel is being preached – and that is good!

This is a key to joy! When you can find the good in the worst of circumstances, you have unlocked a key to joy. When you can look at your terrible situation and find the silver lining, you are on the path to possessing joy in the middle of your adversity.

Paul focuses on the ultimate goal (the gospel being advanced). He understands that the Gospel being preached is God’s ultimate purpose. In the darkness of his tribulation, he sees the bigger picture. That is a key to joy – seeing the good that is happening even in your darkest seasons of life.

Here’s another key to joy: Unselfishness. I can only imagine what some people would have written to the church if they had been in Paul’s situation:

“Oh, pray for me!”

“I’ve got it so rough.”

“I’m so mistreated.”

“God has forsaken me.”

“I’m in prison and these conditions are so terrible.”

“I don’t understand why God is letting this happen.”

“Woe is me.”

But Paul’s focus is on others. What an incredible attitude of unselfishness! He is writing to the Philippians to encourage them. He is speaking of the Gospel being advanced and how, as a result of his imprisonment, other believers are waxing bold. His focus is not on himself! This is a key to joy in adversity. Keep your focus on others. Keep your eyes on the bigger picture – upon the ultimate purpose of God. Paul says, it’s not about what I’m going through, it’s about the fact that God is being glorified and Gospel is being advance because of my imprisonment. It’s so easy to get self-centered when in a difficult situation – but Paul keeps his focus on others.

[pullquote]This is a key to joy in adversity. Keep your focus on others.[/pullquote]

Are you currently facing adversity or hardship? Are you in a situation that is unfair or unjust? Look for the good in your situation. There is a silver lining somewhere. God will be glorified in your situation somehow. This is a key to you having joy in the midst of your suffering.   Keep your focus on others! Don’t fall into the trap of self-centeredness when in your trial – that is a sure-fire way to lose your joy. As you focus your attention upon the ultimate purpose of God and ministry to others, you will find a deep source of joy that will sustain you through your trial!

Next week, we’ll see that Paul had joy while in adversity because he focused on three elements of a bigger picture.  Until next week…

~Pastor Matthew Ball