On a perpetual desk calendar — one I’ve read each morning since it was given to me in 1992 — a recent day’s notation included the following prayer: “Lord, I pray for the courage of my convictions. Instill in me the determination to make the right things happen. Amen.”
Reading those words immediately reminded me of Paul’s personal focus expressed to his brethren at Philippi. After noting the advancement of the Gospel despite his imprisonment and his rejoicing that Christ was being proclaimed (Philippians 1:12-18), he went on to state. . .
“(19) for I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ this will turn out for my deliverance, (20) as it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death.” (Philippians 1:19-20 ESV)
Convicted by the Gospel of Jesus Christ, Paul very much appreciated the prayers on his behalf for his continued resolve to honor the Lord in his life. Regardless of circumstances or situations, his desire was to maintain the courage to honor Christ in his body whether that be through ongoing living in service to the Lord or in dying as His faithful servant. Similarly, in his letter to the church at Ephesus, Paul requested prayers that words be given to him to speak the message boldly as he ought. (Ephesians 6:19-20) He had no control over what others might do, but his resolve for himself was to continue in doing what was right to the glory of the Lord.
That is the same desire I need to have. It is to that end I also need to pray and be encouraged in through the prayers of others. May God help me to prayerfully begin each day so as to be prepared in spirit and flesh to stand strong in my conviction to the truth of Who Jesus is and the truth His Gospel declares regardless of what may be going on around or toward me! That is my prayer for you as well! May we be mutually encouraged in our conviction of living the righteous life in Christ, knowing the eternal hope that makes it worth whatever we might be going through!
Have a great day COURAGEOUSLY CONVICTED IN CHRIST!
Carl
