There are so many amazing points in Phillipians to encourage us as we trust in God's will above ours. But for now, I'll just share a few of them.
Phillipians 3:8b
“... Jesus Christ my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ.”
Often times, “the loss of all things” is what makes trusting God so difficult. This is why it’s so amazing that Paul turns this into a positive thing. I’ve lost plenty of friends, guys, and dreams while pursuing God, but Paul points out that these things are “like dung” – they’re nothing compared to the God you gain when you give yourself up!
3:13
“Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead.”
The next step is to not be bitter over the things you had to give up. Regret nothing. Those things are behind you, along with a downgraded version of yourself. If you hadn’t given them up, you’d be back there with them. God is in control and you’ve got to trust that, even before you see results.
4:8
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things.”
Paul told us in 3:13 to “strain for what is ahead” – but what does that look like? How can you avoid focusing on the things behind you and trust God with what is ahead? Well, this is our answer: focusing on the things that are right, pure and lovely. Don’t put yourself in situations that make you miss the things you gave up. Allow God to fill those voids with greater things!
4:11
“I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.”
Part of trusting God is, well, the trusting part. You have to actually sacrifice control of your life and hand it over to Him. Then, whatever He decides to do, you have to be content with.
4:13
“I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.”
Read this one again. Most of us just skim over this verse because we’ve heard it a million times. We memorized it in Sunday School and recited it more than the pledge of allegiance. But don’t miss the point. Christ is the source of your strength. If you’re waiting for Him to move without digging into His strength, then you’ll be waiting in silence.
4:19
“And my God will meet all your riches according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.”The most important thing is just knowing that your NEEDS will be met. You may lose things and it may hurt, but you’ll have everything you need. It’s all about getting to that point where you can say, “If so, it is well with my soul; but if not, it is well all the more.” TRUST in what God is doing in your life, even if He tells you “no” sometimes. I’ve heard it said, “If God never gives me another thing, I still have more than I could ever ask of Him."
