Philippians 1:19
“for I know that this will turn out for my deliverance through your prayers and the provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ”.
As we walk with Christ we get used to Him delivering us. He promises to make all work out for the best. Romans 8:28 says, “And we know that God works together all things for good to those loving God, to those being called according to His purpose.” We learn to expect it. We rarely know how He will do that. But we know that He will.
That knowing is faith. It’s not positive thinking. Hebrews 11:1 defines faith this way, “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not being seen.” There is an assurance and a conviction. We know it. There is natural human faith that we all have. When we turn the key in our car we have faith that it’ll start. Heavenly faith is similar, but God given. There is a supernatural element.
Romans 10:17 says, “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” When we read or hear God’s Word faith is planted in our hearts like a seed. Jesus’ parable of the sower is a perfect explanation of how faith is planted and grows. It’s truly divine. We hear the bible and the seed is planted in us. If we heed it there is growth. If we ignore it the seed withers and dies.
Paul has the faith to know that his circumstances will work out. So we know that God will use our circumstances for the best. We rarely know the outcome. It may be one that is disappointing, but God is working with us, so we’ll be ok.
Faith removes much that is negative in life. Without faith a circumstance can wreck someone. With faith it’s tolerable. With faith it’s the best. We can’t reason with that, but we know it.
The Hebrews passage referred to the hope that comes from faith. This is different than the common use of the word hope. We usually see hope as a wish. Godly hope is certainty. For example, we have a hope that we’ll be in heaven with God and fellow believers one day. That’s not a wish, but a certainty.
Faith assures us of the hope that God will deliver. The three hebrews shared this message to king Nebuchadnezzar. Daniel 3:17,18 says, “If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to rescue us from the furnace of blazing fire; and He will rescue us from your hand, O king. But even if He does not, let it be known to you, O king, that we are not going to serve your gods nor worship the golden statue that you have set up.” Deliverance will happen. If not from the furnace, then from damnation. They will be with God. So, we are certain God will deliver in the manner He choses.
Thank You, God, for Your deliverance. Thank You for the faith and hope You give of it’s certainty.