We Can Thrive In Difficult Times
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We Can Thrive In Difficult Times
Rev. Thomas A. West, Sr
June 5, 2022
Philippians 1:19–30
Philippians 1:19–30 (NKJV)
Introduction
When difficult times hit us, when we are going through a trial of some sort, The only encouragement our culture offers people going through these hard times are worn-out clichés like “every cloud has a silver lining,” “when life gives you lemons make lemonade,” or “the sun will come up tomorrow.” But the Bible reveals far better resources to help you thrive, not just survive, when facing difficult circumstances.
I want to share this amazing testimony from a good friend of mine that occurred over the past few weeks.
He has been sick on and off for the last few years, but his faith never wavered. Once a man of unbelief our patience Father had turned his life completely around when I meet him some eight or nine years ago. He was man in search of God, in his studies, in his work around the church, and with everyone he met. But with that zeal came life struggles. But he never complained. Evan in those dark hours, when pain was wreaking havoc on his body, he clung to the Word of God.
This week as I was talking to him, he informed me that he had be diagnosed with a heart disease and I can’t remember the name of it but without meds he was given two to six years to live.
He told me that the medicine that would slow the progression of the disease would run him more than $2,000 for a 90 day supply. That would be over 8,000 dollars a year. Way to steep for him and his wife. He said at least he would have the two years to put his affairs in order so that his wife would not have to carry such a heavy burden. Like Job he had accepted all that God has given him, the good and the bad.
Anyway, Today’s message takes a look at how we can thrive in difficult time, from a biblical perspective.
TITLE
Our title for today is ‘We Can Thrive In Difficult Times’
SCRIPTURE:
Our scripture is taken from Philippians 1:19–30
19 For I know that this will turn out for my deliverance through your prayer and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ,
20 according to my earnest expectation and hope that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death.
21 For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.
22 But if I live on in the flesh, this will mean fruit from my labor; yet what I shall choose I cannot tell.
23 For I am hard-pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better.
24 Nevertheless to remain in the flesh is more needful for you.
25 And being confident of this, I know that I shall remain and continue with you all for your progress and joy of faith,
26 that your rejoicing for me may be more abundant in Jesus Christ by my coming to you again.
27 Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of your affairs, that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel,
28 and not in any way terrified by your adversaries, which is to them a proof of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that from God.
29 For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake,
30 having the same conflict which you saw in me and now hear is in me.
So let’s get right to today’s lesson. First …
We Thrive by Drawing on Spiritual Resources
As we begin walking through the text, in verse 19 we find that Paul trusted “prayer” by his friends and the sustaining work of the “Spirit of Jesus Christ” to keep him going. He drew on two primary spiritual resources—the prayers of fellow believers and the support of the Holy Spirit to sustain him. Companionship with the Lord and with each other is essential for making it through dark times.
Just ask my friend. When you are going through tough times, turn to fellow believers and other Christian friends for support. Let them help carry your burdens. Ask them to pray for you and to pray with you.
Listen, when you know someone going through a hard time, do the same for them. Tell them and show them you care for them. Pray for them. During tough times, depend on the Holy Spirit to help you. In John 14:13-18 Jesus’ stating these instructions and promises;
13 And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 If you ask anything in My name, I will do it. 15 “If you love Me, keep My commandments. 16 And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever[1]
Jesus refers to the Holy Spirit in this way, He is our Comforter, He is our Counselor, and He is our Companion. Ask Him to be all these things for you.
Next ….
We Thrive by Confronting Our Problems Head-on
20 according to my earnest expectation and hope that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death[2]
In verse 20 we find that Paul was eager to face his troubles. The phrase “earnest expectation” can be translated “head erect” or “heads up”.
Paul was not cowering from his problems, but facing them directly. He claimed to have “all boldness” to deal with whatever might come his way.
The phrase “all boldness” could more literally be translated “completely outspoken.” He demonstrated that boldness on multiple occasions during his imprisonments in Acts 22 - 26.
Take action to confront the problems producing your tough times. If your problems are financial, get involved in a stewardship training program. If your problems are relational, find a counselor and work toward healing. If you are being victimized, lift your head and speak up!
Reject being a victim of past choices, broken relationships, or abusive people.
Next …
We Thrive by Keeping Right Perspective on Our Problems
21 For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. 22 But if I live on in the flesh, this will mean fruit from my labor; yet what I shall choose I cannot tell.
In verses 21 and 22, we find that Paul’s problems were serious, he faced imprisonment, trial, and possible execution. He knew he might live. If so, he knew “to live is Christ”, “fruit” would be borne through the way he lived and the Philippians would be blessed.
He also knew he might die, which he concluded would also be “gain” and would mean he was with Christ. Whether he lived or died, Paul was convinced Christ would be exalted through him. He saw both positive and negative circumstances as conducive to glorifying God.
If you live through trying circumstances, you glorify God by experiencing Jesus’ care, bearing spiritual fruit, and helping others know they can live through similar struggles. My sister Amelia lived for a long time with cancer. How she lived through cancer impacted hundreds of people. She ultimately died, but not before leaving a legacy demonstrating God’s sustaining power.
Even if you ultimately die from difficult circumstances, you can still bring glory to God. Your faithfulness to the end of life reveals the genuineness of your faith and its sufficiency for the darkest hour—death.
Moving along ….
We Thrive When Our Character Reveals Jesus in Us
27 Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of your affairs, that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel,
As we move to verse 27 we find that Paul challenged his followers to “let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ”. He wanted them to “stand fast in one spirit . . . striving together for the faith of the gospel” during their trials.
He rejected fear as an option and told them to live like Christians no matter what they experienced. Paul was more concerned that his followers reveal the character of Jesus through their trials than that they be delivered from their trials.
Choosing to live your faith means taking charge of your emotions. You choose your behavior based on the Word of God, not how you feel in the moment. You can reject fear and cling to faith. No matter what comes, your determination to act like the Believer you truly are, will help others going through difficult times.
You stand against the temptation to base your actions on fear, worldly advice, or ungodly counsel, will set the standard for so many others.
Next …
We Thrive by Sharing in Jesus’ Sufferings
29 For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake,
Whether you want to believe this next statement or not,
Verse 29 tells us that as Believers we are responsible to believe in Jesus and also “to suffer” for His name. This suffering is real, it’s a struggle that is agonizing and painful to endure.
For Believers to share the sufferings of Jesus, we must go through hard times. We must feel genuine pain—from broken health and bad relationships. We may also be persecuted or treated unfairly because of our faith.
When you suffer, remember how Jesus suffered for you. No one likes to suffer—but hard times are inevitable. Let them remind you of Jesus’ death on the cross and your part in it.
Keeping this in view gives meaning to your trials and helps you remember what Jesus went through on our behalf. No Believer is exempt from sharing pain similar to that endured by Jesus on the Cross.
Conclusion
Thriving, not just surviving in hard times it’s possible to really thrive.
When your health fails, when your relationships struggle, or when your circumstances seem out of control—God is still at work.
Trust Him and use the spiritual resources He provides to sustain you.
Reject the myth, that says “God will never let you experience more than you can handle.” Oh, Yes He will!
God will allow life to overwhelm you, not to punish or discourage you, but to draw you nearer to Him. He will allow circumstances to take you to the end of your human resources, so you learn to trust Him. I know, I’ve been there.
Thriving, not just surviving is only possible when you face your problems with the spiritual resources God provides
So when cancer invades, when car accidents happen, when children or grandchildren get sick, or when careers collapse, just remember this one point.
Found in my favorite verse of scripture:
Psalm 23 verse 4: Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
God promises that He will see you through.
Oh, back to my friend, us see, James 5:16 says The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.[6]
My friend is surround by some mighty prayer warriors, many with PHD in kneal-logy, and he serves a Mighty God, who can and will provide for our every need, already had a plan.
On Friday while he was taking a nap, the Pharmacy called to tell his wife to come pick up his much-needed medication and there was no co-pay. Oh, what an awesome God we serve. Somebody on the line need to be shouting right about now.
Thank you Lord …
Let us pray …
[1] The New King James Version (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1982), Jn 14:13–16.
[2] The New King James Version (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1982), Php 1:20.
[3] The New King James Version (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1982), Php 1:21.
[4] The New King James Version (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1982), Php 1:22.
[5] The New King James Version (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1982), Php 1:27.
[6] The New King James Version (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1982), Jas 5:16.