Philippians 1:29-30 - You Are Not Alone

Myfriend, I will never forget something I read in Nik Ripken’s book, “TheInsanity of God”. When he asked believers in China, who were being persecuted,how they endured such intense agony, pain, and suffering, they looked at him insurprise and said, “Haven’t you read the Bible? Haven’t you read the NewTestament?” It was the norm for believers in the first and second centuries tosuffer persecution—even into the 1500’s through the 1600,s—for their faith inJesus Christ.  Myfriend, here in America we have no idea what that is like. Yet today, we aretold that the fastest-growing church in the world is in Iran. Do not forgetthat recently we were told that over thirty thousand people were executed bythe radical government there. Most of them were most likely believers who hadput their faith in Christ and were standing for truth. They chose to die ratherthan live without standing up for their faith in Jesus Christ. Thesuffering is not only there, but also in China, in Russia, in India, in Africa,and in parts of South America. The suffering is intense today. More believersare being persecuted, suffering and killed for their faith than at any othertime in Christian history. Yes, it could come to America, and it might not betoo far away. Paulsays “it has been granted” that you have been given this grace ofsuffering. He finishes by saying this in verse 30: “Having the same conflictwhich you saw in me and now hear is in me.” In other words, Paul is saying,“You are not alone.” You are going to suffer for Christ, but you are not alone.They no doubt remembered Paul’s suffering in Acts chapter 16. He was beaten. Hewas imprisoned. Yet he kept praising God. Now they hear he is suffering inRome. And Paul is saying, “The same battle you face, I am facing.” Thisis so important because the enemy loves to whisper in our ears, “You are theonly one going through this. Nobody is suffering like you. Nobody has it as badas you have it.” But that is not true. First Peter 5:9 says, “Knowing thatthe same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world.” Weremember in First Corinthians 10:13, “That there is no trial, tribulation,or temptation that has overtaken you except such as is common to man. But Godis faithful.” Hebrews 12:1 reminds us that “we are surrounded by sogreat a cloud of witnesses”. The writer has just spoken of those who diedfor their faith. Weare part of something bigger: a global church, a spiritual family, a sharedmission. We are not alone—but most importantly, Christ is with us. In Hebrews13:5, Jesus says, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” So when youare in the battle, remember: others have walked this path, others are walkingit right now, and Christ walks it with you. Psalm 23:4 says, “Yea, though Iwalk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for Thouart with me.” Maywe live worthy of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Remember, that is the verse thissection began with: “Let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ. Sowhether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of your affairs—that youstand fast in one spirit, with one mind, striving together for the faith of thegospel” (v. 27). Paul also encourages us with Romans 8:31-32: “What thenshall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He whodid not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He notwith Him also freely give us all things?” Inclosing, remember: Stand firm. Stand united. Do not fear opposition. Accepteven suffering as part of God’s plan as we live—and determine to live—our livesand our faith for Jesus Christ. And Paul adds: “Andnot only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance;  and perseverance,character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the loveof God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given tous.” (Romans 5:3-5)