Having true friends in times of crisis is really a blessing. As the saga with my father continues I've really been encouraged by my church family who have called and emailed me daily. It means a lot to have people stand with you in difficult days. Somehow just knowing that others care, are praying for you brings a sense of peace and comfort.
As Paul sat in prison he couldn't pick up his cell phone and call his buds or log onto Messenger or check his email or MySpace site. He sat all alone, possibly chained to a few guards. Life for him wasn't optimistic at that point. Yet every time a scroll arrives or visitor showed up at the door, Paul was warmed. He knows he is loved and that God is caring for his needs. Knowing Paul, he's no doubt was telling stories to his guards about his friends in Philippi and Ephesus and Corinth and Galatia and Antioch.
Paul had learned to be content in any and all circumstance, even though not every circumstance was pleasant. Some were hard like the one he was in at the time of this writing. But Paul had his contentment not in things or surroundings or circumstances. He had his contentment in God through Christ. His strength and endurance and determination and ability to adapt came in Christ. Paul knew he was never alone.
Even though Paul's relationship with Christ was deep, he felt encouragement from his brothers and sisters in Christ who demonstrated genuine concern by ministering to his physical, emotional and personal needs. Going through the difficult life challenge was made easier or bearable through the caring and presence and involvement of the Philippian church family.
God, I thank you for your presence in my life. I'm trying to find my contentment solely in you. But I also thank you for my friends and family in Christ who have extended themselves to me. I'm learning more and more how important it is to have believers around me with whom I can do life. Help me be an encouragement to others and sensitive to the needs of those around me.
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