TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him. Philippians 1:29
Listen: Philippians 1
TODAY’S MESSAGE
The pressure was on and the heat turned up for both Paul and the Philippian believers. Paul experienced beatings in Philippi and imprisonment in Rome awaiting trial. The Philippians were experiencing societal and financial pressure because of their belief in Christ. Amid this pressure, and the suffering it brought, Paul essentially told them to expect it—it was part of the deal. Pressure is normal.
For Paul, he hoped suffering would happen. It was what he wanted. “I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death,” (Philippians 3:10). Knowing Christ means experiencing suffering and pressure situations.
IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY
God uses pressure situations. Often, it is how we grow spiritually. Senior Pastor Jeff Manion said to get through it, we need to toughen up. In your Chair Time today, identify your current pressure situation—the one where you most need to toughen up. Write that situation in your journal on page 20 and then pray for the power of God’s Spirit to help you handle the pressure.
Download a printable PDF of the BTW week here.
