Philippians 4:3
“Indeed, true companion, I ask you also, help these women who have shared my struggle in the cause of the gospel, together with Clement as well as the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.”
Verses two and three bring much comfort. Verse two speaks of some influential members of the church and how they are at odds. So much so that it reached Paul’s roman jail. I’m comforted because this is confirmation that we have trouble in this life. Not that this is good news, but I have trouble. I’m not unique. We all do.
Jesus promised trouble. He said in James 1:2-4, “Consider it all joy, my brothers and sisters, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”
We have trouble because we still still have our fleshly nature. Paul addresses this in Romans 7:18,19, “For I know that good does not dwell in me, that is, in my flesh; for the willing is present in me, but the doing of the good is not. For the good that I want, I do not do, but I practice the very evil that I do not want.” Unfortunately our flesh is with us until we go to heaven.
We have been born again and God have given us a new nature, His nature. Verse 18 speaks of how the willing is present in me, but the doing is not. What are we to do?
Jesus tells us what to do in Matthew 16:24, ‘Then Jesus told His disciples, “If anyone wants to come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me.”‘ Our flesh demands it’s rights and wants it’s way. If it’s contrary to God’s way, that is contrary to the law of love, then we are to deny ourselves.
Sometimes that isn’t so easy. We ask God for help. If it’s a temptation, we flee, otherwise we stand fast. He will help. This is the miracle of christianity. He makes it possible. Paul describes the struggle of the two natures and Jesus tells us what to do. Then the wonderful Holy Spirit empowers us to do His will.
The two ladies in Philippians need to get along. Interestingly enough Paul and Barnabas had their disagreement. It ended up splitting their missionary team. The result was two teams. That conflict resulted in the splitting, but twice the results. Problems seem bad, but God has His reasons.
God is so amazing. He works in all of our hearts to work His will. Proverbs 21:1 says, “The king’s heart is like channels of water in the hand of the LORD; He turns it wherever He pleases.” We needn’t worry about problems. He has His purposes.
I stumbled across a donor car a few days ago. It had some parts that I wanted. It took six hours to remove them. I came across two impasses. However, I knew God brought this to me, so it would work out. I didn’t get frustrated. The first impasse was resolved by another. He stopped where I was because he needed to borrow a tool. I let him. He came by several times. The last time he helped and resolved it. The second time I persisted and it got resolved. It was so cool. I had a peace it would work out.
Today’s verse mentioned the conflict at Philippi. We learned that we will have troubles, but not to get frustrated. It’s part of our walk. Pray and ask for help. He will work it out for His glory.