BEING IN THE CENTER OF GOD'S WILL

Philippians 2:25-27 says, "Meanwhile, I thought I should send Epaphroditus back to you. He is a true brother, co-worker, and fellow soldier. And he was your messenger to help me in my need. I am sending him because he has been longing to see you, and he was very distressed that you heard he was ill. And he certainly was ill; in fact, he almost died. But God had mercy on him—and also on me, so that I would not have one sorrow after another." Paul not only sent Timothy to Philippi to encourage the believers there, but He also sent Epaphroditus back to Philippi. The church in Philippi sent Epaphroditus to Paul to assist him while he was in house arrest. Epaphroditus was indeed very helpful to Paul; as a result, Paul spoke highly of him as a true brother, co-worker, and fellow soldier. Although Epaphroditus was very helpful to Paul, he missed home and became so sick that he almost died. It was only God's compassion for him that he recovered from his sickness. According to church tradition, he was the one who brought Paul's letter to the church in Philippi, which the letter became known as the Book of the Philippians in the Bible. 

When we are in the center of God's will, it does not mean that we are protected from sickness and other challenges of life. Epaphroditus was a faithful helper to Paul and faithfully served our Lord Jesus, yet he got sick to the point of death. Similarly, Paul was faithful to serve the Lord, yet he was arrested and put under house arrest. We need to stay away from the wrong teaching that when we are in the center of God's will, we will not suffer. Or, the reason we suffer is because there is sin in our lives. Paul, Timothy, and Epaphroditus sought and served God faithfully, yet they didn't become wealthy with material possessions nor protected from sickness. We need to stay away from the prosperity gospel that teaches that wealth and health are signs that we are in the center of God's will. Our provision and healing are always according to God's compassion and plan in our lives. 

No matter what God allows in our lives, God is able to take care of us. Our motive to be in the center of God's will is to please and worship God. We need to seek God for who He is in our lives, rather than just trying to escape the consequences of our disobedience or seek material blessings. 

Questions for application: (Think through these questions carefully, meditate on them while answering them, and let the Spirit of God speak to you.) What is my motivation for being at the center of God's will? Do I escape suffering when I am in the center of God's will? What promises does God make regarding my life? 

Take a moment to write down all your worries today. Then, lift them up to God in prayer, surrendering them to His will and trusting in His guidance.

Prayer:

Dear Father in Heaven, everything that you allow in my life has a purpose. I may not fully understand it, but you are in control and always take care of me. Please help me to faithfully follow and obey you in whatever circumstances I am in. Protect my mind and my heart from wrong teachings that lead me away from your truth. In your name, Jesus, I pray. Amen.