Stephan Hoffman

I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart and, whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God’s grace with me.  Philippians 1:3-7

What do your prayers to God sound like? Are they packed with requests and thoughts about your own interests and circumstances? Or do you, like Paul, pray for others amid difficult circumstances?

We get caught up so easily in our own pain and grief that we forget to think of others. Paul, sitting in prison, prays for his fellow believers with gratitude and joy. He does not dwell just on his own challenges, but he focuses on the situation of the church in Philippi. Even though he is in handcuffs he is able to thank God for those who are redeemed from sin and death through Jesus Christ. He is grateful for the attitude and behaviour of the church in Philippi. They worked together from day one to proclaim the Gospel. Paul knows that their work will never be in vain, for it is God who began the work and will fulfil it. He has a great love for these people who he has in his heart.

Perhaps you are also experiencing challenges today that tempt you to focus on your pain and worry. Remember that you can go to God with everything that is on your heart. Will you not also try as you pray, to remember others? You can also find joy today in the idea that God himself is working in this world and that he will accomplish this work.

Let us rejoice again in the freedom and redemption that we can experience through Christ, and may we also share this gratitude and joy with others!

Prayer: Almighty God, heavenly Father, thank you that you do not give up on me or the world. Thank you that you will fulfil the good work you started in and through Jesus Christ. Please help me to focus on your love and mercy in the midst of my own circumstances. Amen