MY LIFE IS IN GOD'S HANDS

Philippians 1:25-26 says, "Knowing this, I am convinced that I will remain alive so I can continue to help all of you grow and experience the joy of your faith. And when I come to you again, you will have even more reason to take pride in Christ Jesus because of what he is doing through me." By Paul knowing through God's revelation that he would continue to live beyond his house arrest, he would be able to continue to help the church in Philippi grow and experience the joy of their faith. Paul planned to visit them again after his release from his house arrest, and when they saw him in person, the Philippian believers would rejoice in God to see how God was working through him. Paul knew that his time on this earth was in God's hands. No one could take away his life without the will of God. Rome could imprison Paul, but as long as God allowed him to live and continue his ministry, no one could kill or stop him, even the most powerful, ruthless Roman Empire. Paul's assurance in life was in God. The God who called him into ministry was the same God who sustained and kept his life. 

The lesson that we can learn from today's devotion is to keep on serving and following God until he takes us home. Paul was determined to continue to help the believers in Philippi to grow and experience the joy of their faith in the Lord Jesus. We are not meant to live for ourselves, for God has our lives in His hands. The more we understand this, the more we will become secure in our lives. Our security is not in His daily provision, but our security is solely in God Himself. Our lives on this world are not meant to be forever, and we cannot add a single day in our lives without the will of God. We must live our lives for God's purpose so that we can live with purpose and meaning. We live beyond our daily responsibilities to our families. Our jobs and retirement are not the ultimate goals in life, for life is short compare to the eternity that we will spend with God in Heaven. Paul could continue to do what God called him to do because God sustained him.

We can continue to live as long as God allows it, and every single day that He allows us to live is for His purpose and not ours. We live for His purpose. Whether we accept this truth or not, it is the reality that we are in because God created us for His glory. When we live for God, we will experience the fullness of life in this world, whether we are rich or poor.  

Questions for application: (Think through these questions carefully, meditate on them while answering them, and let the Spirit of God speak to you.) Who controls my existence in this world? Where does my ultimate security come from? How does God want me to live my life? 

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

Prayer:

Dear Father in Heaven, please help me to live for your purpose, for you are the one who created me. You are the one who sustains me every day. My life is always in your caring and loving hands. Please continue to help me grow in my faith that I may experience the joy of my salvation. In your name, Jesus, I pray. Amen.