You Are My Sunshine

Philippians 1:3-11

What is the worst thing that has ever happened to you? Was it the unexpected loss of a loved one? The loss of your job or maybe even your career? The breakup of a relationship? For me, it was our first child who was still born.

We were young and excited to become parents. In preparation, we wallpapered the nursery; refinished the high chair that I had used as a baby; my wife’s sister gave us the crib her son had used; and we got lots of gifts at a baby shower. One of the gifts was from my Mom. It was a little stuffed wind-up sun that when you wound it up it played, “You Are My Sunshine”.

That night my wife stayed in the hospital and I came home to an empty house. It wasn’t a house filled with the joy of a newborn, but a house filled with emptiness. The high chair was in the kitchen never to hold our daughter. The nursery would never hear her cry or see her sleep. She would never hear “You Are My Sunshine”.

Paul knew what it was like to experience loss. In fact, he wrote to the Philippians while in prison; so he had lost his freedom to come and go as he pleased. One of the ramifications of that is he lost relationships because he couldn’t travel freely.

 Paul also wrote about being a “slave to Christ” which means that he willingly gave up

certain rights and relationships that he might have enjoyed otherwise. For instance, he might have gotten married had he not been so driven in his commitment of following Christ. All this to say that Paul knew the pain of loss.

Most of us will never experience the pain and suffering that Paul did due to persecution. But in this world you either already have experienced loss, pain and suffering, or you will at some time. When that happens Paul’s words to the Philippian believers should encourage you.

⁶ And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.    NLT

 It is Paul’s concern, goal and prayer for the Philippian church, as well as for you and me, that God’s good work is completed in us; that we keep our focus on our Lord. Maybe the writer of Hebrews said it best.

And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, ² fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.           Hebrews 12:1b-2a NIV

Philippians 1:12-30

The Roman leaders' plans to keep Paul from sharing his testimony and from testifying about the salvation Jesus gives, has backfired on them.  Their scheming to silence this man, to stop him from spreading the Good News was all in vain. "Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel. As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ." (Philippians 1:12-13)

The opposite effect has been achieved and Paul has become well-known in the prison.  The palace guards and everyone else know that Paul is in chains for Christ. Those watching Paul see something special, courageous even, in this man.  Not only that, but Believers are being encouraged to speak up more freely; to teach fearlessly.  Paul's example has captivated the followers and given them something to live up to.

Who does that for you?  Is there someone whose actions speak so loud?  Is there a faithful follower who is a stellar example of who you long to become?  Throughout my Christian walk there has been one woman after another who has taught and encouraged my journey.  One woman prayed so easily, with everyday words and a heart that was open and vulnerable.  Another woman mentored me in my study of Scripture.  She painted such amazing scenes when she would tell a Bible Story that she made me want to read more.

Then there are the woman who serve others and God diligently, with vigor and determination.  Examples are all around us, we only need to look with open minds.  There are many who are in chains for Christ, but not by way of a prison cell.  They allow themselves to minister to the poor or the hurting because that is what Jesus would do.

Read Philippians 1:12-30 here

Listen to Philippians 1:12-30 here