Read Philippians 1.12–18.
We’re kicking off our next series, The Secret of Happiness. We hear—and even say—the phrase “I just want to be happy” almost constantly. So often, it seems that the happiness we chase after is gone the minute we’re up against obstacles or adversity. The Secret of Happiness explores the book of Philippians and how Paul was able to find uncommon and lasting happiness.
Paul is writing this letter from prison, but in Philippians we actually see Paul rejoicing in spite of his circumstances. Paul believes what has happened to him has in fact served to advance God’s mission.
There are four lessons we can learn from Paul about what it means to experience joy in the midst of difficulty.
1. Living for God’s purposes doesn’t spare you from life’s trials.
We may think that following Jesus and seeking to honor God with our lives will cause everything to go smoothly and we’ll be able to avoid problems. Yet, when problems do arise, this line of thinking leads to doubting God’s love for us or wondering what we did wrong to deserve the difficulty we’re experiencing. Both of these are unhealthy. What Scripture tells us is that just because we follow Jesus doesn’t mean we will always avoid difficulty. Jesus promised that people who follow him will suffer and feel the heat of battle because we live in a world where Satan is at war against us.
2. God takes setbacks to your purpose and turns them into springboard to your destiny. (Romans 8.28)
Even though we may experience setbacks and battles, what we can discover from Paul’s experience is a God who is able to take our pain and turn it into an opportunity for His glory and for our good. Paul may be in prison, but because he is locked up, he can share the gospel with people he wouldn’t have been able to reach in any other circumstance while inspiring other Christians to share their faith and live boldly. There is no difficulty or circumstance God can’t change into a testimony to His glory.
3. When God is committed to your good, you have reason for joy when your circumstances are bad. (Hebrews 11.1)
Scripture continually affirms that God is committed to our good, no matter what. This truth gives us a reason for the kind of hope that can weather any storm. Sometimes it might take some time to get to a place of hope, which may mean we’ll have to spend extra time reflecting on God’s character and power. Sometimes we may not immediately see anything good coming from our circumstances. But as we go deeper with God and the promises in scripture, we can experience joy in the midst of hardship as we learn to put our trust in God.
Discussion Questions
- What obstacles get in our way of finding joy and hope in the midst of trials?
- Pastor Brian gave an example of how losing an apartment in Chicago led him to Willow Creek and eventually the planting of Engedi. Can you recall a time where everything seemed to be coming against you, but God turned it into a testimony?
- Why is it difficult to put our confidence in God when it looks like our struggles aren’t changing or possibly getting worse?
- Jim Wallis says, “Hope is believing in spite of the evidence, and then watching the evidence change.” Are you going through a difficult battle right now? How can you practice seeing God in the midst of your difficulties?
- How can others pray for you?
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