Read Philippians 1:25–30
It has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe
on him, but also to suffer for him.
Philippians 1:29
Satan wants us to think that we are alone in the battle and that our
difficulties are unique, but such is not the case. Paul reminded the
Philippians that he was going through the same difficulties they were
experiencing hundreds of miles from Rome! A change in geography
is usually no solution to spiritual problems because human nature is
the same wherever we go, and the Enemy is everywhere. Knowing
that our fellow believers are also sharing in the battle should be an
encouragement for us to keep going and to pray for them as we pray
for ourselves.
Going through spiritual conflict is one way we have to grow in
Christ. As we face the Enemy and depend on the Lord, He gives us all
that we need for battle. When the Enemy sees our God-given confidence, it makes him fear.
Single-mindedness enables us to experience joy in the midst of
battle because it produces in us consistency, cooperation, and confidence. We experience the joy of “spiritual teamwork” as we strive
together for the faith of the gospel.
Something to Ponder
How does it make you feel during times of stress to know that others
have suffered—and continue to suffer—in similar ways?