Dinner: Shining Like Stars

Philippians 2:12-18

"Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.

Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life—in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor for nothing. But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you. So you too should be glad and rejoice with me."

I was beginning to wonder what happened to joy! It shows up again in the form of rejoicing, which, according to Merriam-Webster, means "to feel joy or great delight." But, first, Paul encourages us to work out our salvation with fear and trembling. Of course, we cannot work our way into heaven, but as it says in verse 13, we must allow God to work in us so that we act according to His good purpose.

I struggle with this. I find it difficult to let God work in me according to His purpose. I keep wanting to work things according to my purpose. Yet, I know that I should surrender to God's will. I should do His will without complaining; without arguing. We all have roles to play in God's kingdom. If we perform them well, we can all shine like stars — holding out the word of life. Then, we can be glad and rejoice together.

Rejoicing together.....it is something we can do, regardless of life's circumstances. Whether healthy or ill; rich or poor; surrounded by loved ones or separated from them. No matter what the world throws at us, we still get to rejoice. Even with Adam at a "2" on the Rancho scale, we can rejoice, because better things are yet to come.

I believe that better things are yet to come. In the meantime, I will keep praying for Adam's healing.