Pause VI Day 4 Gifted With Suffering

Melodye Reeves
January 5, 2023

Philippians 1:21-30
21 For me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. 22 Now if I live on in the flesh, this means fruitful work for me; and I don’t know which one I should choose. 23 I am torn between the two. I long to depart and be with Christ—which is far better— 24 but to remain in the flesh is more necessary for your sake. 25 Since I am persuaded of this, I know that I will remain and continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, 26 so that, because of my coming to you again, your boasting in Christ Jesus may abound.
27 Just one thing: As citizens of heaven, live your life worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or am absent, I will hear about you that you are standing firm in one spirit, in one accord, contending together for the faith of the gospel, 28 not being frightened in any way by your opponents. This is a sign of destruction for them, but of your salvation—and this is from God. 29 For it has been granted to you on Christ’s behalf not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him, 30 since you are engaged in the same struggle that you saw I had and now hear that I have.
“For me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.” (Philippians 1:21)
These words are the inspiration for many tattoos, plaques, journal covers, and bookmarks you might find in the life of a person of faith. But for Paul, this wasn’t simply a motto or mantra. It was a conviction; his filter and foundation for every word and action!
Living as Christ meant Paul preached the good news everywhere he went. His message was constant: Jesus Christ crucified. (1 Corinthians 2:1-5)
Living as Christ meant Paul imitated His example. Paul explained that if he was to inspire others, it was to be exclusively in the ways he himself was imitating Christ. (1 Corinthians 10:33-11:1)
Living as Christ meant Paul wanted to know Christ better than he knew anyone else. He wanted to comprehend the depths of Christ’s suffering (Philippians 3:10) and the length and width of Christ’s love (Ephesians 3:17-19).
Living as Christ meant Paul viewed everything else in light of Christ. Because of this, nothing could compare to knowing Christ. (Philippians 3:4-8)
Living as Christ meant Paul knew there was a greater blessing in store for those who sacrificed much and suffered well. He knew what Christ knew about eternal life and the life to come. (Mark 10:29-30)
Living as Christ meant Paul’s life was centered on Christ. Even when he recognized his own weakness and humanity, Paul turned to Christ’s perfection and salvation. (Romans 7:18-25)
Even in prison, Paul drank deeply from the well of Christ’s love. He did not view his suffering as a liability, Paul realized it was a gift of grace.
His suffering indicated he was becoming more and more like Christ.
“For it has been granted to you on Christ’s behalf not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for Him, since you are engaged in the same struggle that you saw I had and now hear that I have.” (Philippians 1:29-30)
Just as the Philippians share grace with Paul, they also share in persecution.
Friend, we have been granted suffering as a part of joining Jesus in His journey to glory. Whether we live or die, we have reason to rejoice for Christ is our joy!
Today's Pause Challenge
1) Be a scribe and copy the precious words of Scripture down word for word. Make space in your journal to write down Philippians 1:29-30 after you read the full passage of today’s reading in Philippians 1:21-30. As you copy, lookup a cross reference or two as you come to them (they are the small letters next to certain words in your study Bible or online at www.biblia.com). As you write, think of the incredible gift it is to be invited into God’s presence through His word!
2) Choose one of these options to walk into more with Jesus as you make the intentional choice to grow with perseverance and determination!
a) Write an encouraging note to someone you know is going through a season of suffering.
b) Consider simple ways you can demonstrate a life of holiness in the routine, lived intentionally for God’s glory.
c) Prayer walking is a simple way to begin shifting the eyes of your heart to truly see others. Walk around your neighborhood, some city streets, the aisles of your grocery store, or intentionally sit at a local coffee shop and pray, pray, pray. Pray for the people around you, pray for hearts to turn towards Jesus, pray for your own heart to be ready to share the full gospel if given the chance. Don’t worry about seeing results, that’s God’s job!
d) Strike up a conversation with someone you know is going through the deep waters. Ask them questions about their season of life and their relationship with Jesus. Listen for cues of hurt and doubt and fear. Ask if you can pray with them right there.
3) Share the exciting, bold ways you are growing deep today with the rest of the GT Community! Our Facebook community page is always open! Or snap a photo and tag us on Instagram @gracefully_truthful
4) Memorize Philippians 1:20-21
Journey Into Pause VI!
Paul has just finished wording his prayer for the believers in Philippi. It seems that praying for them stirred his faith to rejoice and remind them his “imprisonment is because I am in Christ.” He didn’t want them to be sad for him but wanted them to know the gospel was spreading because of his chains.
Can We Pray With You?
Prayer is central to our ministry as believers in Jesus as we carry eachother’s burdens and intercede for one another. Our team is honored to share the work of praying alongside you!
This Week's Lock Screen

Authentically living out a life of worship to the God who rescued us from darkness requires accountability and intentionality. Join a GT POD and take the next step in your faith journey!
