Our Status Before God

Our status in this life does not change our status before God.

The Apostle Paul makes a very interesting statement in the letter he wrote to the church at Phillippi. In this letter he talks about how he had learned be content in whatever circumstance he found himself. I have found that to be a difficult lesson to learn. The circumstances of this life seem to affect whether I am happy or sad, feeling good or bad about myself, hopeful for the future or discouraged, and any variety of other emotions. Look at Paul's words ...

[11] Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. [12] I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. (Phil 4)

Do I believe that God is in control of my life? Do I believe that all things will work out for good because I love God and am called according to His purposes? I believe, that I believe, the answer to those two questions is YES. That being given, I still have a tendency to attach so much of my happiness in this life or my sense of feeling good about who I am, to the circumstances of everyday life. I am not saying that it is wrong to be disappointed or sad by some circumstance that we find ourselves in, but Paul had learned that life was more than what his outward circumstances might dictate. He had learned to take a longer view of his life and see it against the back drop of eternity and God's purposes for his life.

Regardless of what I might be going through or will go through in the future, God still loves me and His purpose for my life has not changed. Yes, I might experience difficulties in this life, but where is my hope and in Whom do I trust? If I am where God wants me to be doing what God has called me to do, then I should be able to find a peace and a joy that goes beyond my momentary disappointments in my outward circumstances. Every challenge becomes an opportunity for me to demonstrate that God is faithful in the face of difficult circumstances.

Paul follows verse 12 above with verse 13 ...

[13] I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. (Phil 4)

In Christ I can turn every circumstance into an opportunity to grow in my faith and my walk with God. I can learn to live my life with a sense of the eternal and understand that my life is much more than my current circumstances.

My status in this life does not change my status before God. He still loves me and has great purpose for my life, both now and forever.

Thank you Lord!
Pastor Gary