Joy and Peace Through AdversitySample

But God 

Philippians 2:27 says, “Indeed he was ill, and almost died. But God had mercy on him, and not on him only but also on me to spare me sorrow upon sorrow.”

He almost died…but God. You have a big problem…but God. When there is no human way out of a situation we should wait for a “but God,” not because He revolves around us, but because it is an effect of the life that we now possess in Christ. 

We always expect a “but God” in the midst of things that cannot be solved. When a “but God” does not happen in our situation, let His will be done. God continues to be glorified. Understand that when God intervenes, the glory is His. When what you expected does not happen, God will take your circumstance and work it for the good of those who love Him. 

Epaphroditus’ urgency was to take away the concern from the church due to him being ill so that they would rejoice again. That did not take away Paul’s needs, but in his soul, he was now less sad to simply know that the Philippians would no longer be worried about Epaphroditus’ health. 

Philippians 2:29–30 says, “So then, welcome him in the Lord with great joy, and honor people like him because he almost died for the work of Christ.” Why did Epaphroditus almost die? His life was at risk serving Paul’s needs in prison. He knew having a relationship with Paul could expose him. But God did not revolve around him; he revolved around the purpose of God. If being within the fulfillment of God’s purpose meant dying or becoming ill, he would do it with joy knowing that God would be glorified. 

We need to understand where Paul was coming from to keep Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength,” within context. Throughout his letter to the Philippians, Paul repeatedly expresses joy that has nothing to do with the condition of the soul nor how he found himself physically. 

This joy has nothing to do with buying your dream house or working your dream job. This joy comes from within. It comes from only Christ.