Family Devotion: Joy Regardless of Trouble
- Andy Roberson
- Aug 10
- 3 min read
📖 READ IT
'I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel, so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to all the rest that my imprisonment is for Christ. And most of the brothers, having become confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.Some indeed preach Christ from envy and rivalry, but others from good will. The latter do it out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. The former proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely but thinking to afflict me in my imprisonment. What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed, and in that I rejoice. Yes, and I will rejoice, for I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ this will turn out for my deliverance, 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 1:12-20 ESV
🔍 DISCOVER IT
Every family faces troubles. Sometimes plans fall apart, people get sick, friendships become difficult, or life feels unfair. In Philippians 1, Paul teaches us that our joy does not have to depend on our circumstances. Even while imprisoned, Paul rejoiced because he could see that God was still at work. Paul's situation looked terrible from a human perspective. He was in prison for preaching the gospel. Yet Paul chose to look beyond his immediate problems and see God's greater purpose. Paul said that what had happened to him had actually served to advance the gospel. What seemed like a setback was really part of God's plan.
💬 ASK IT
What is something difficult that happened this week? How might God use this difficult moment for His glory?
What are ways that we can trust God when we cannot immediately see what He is doing?
🧭 LIVE IT
In verse 14, Paul’s faithfulness encouraged other believers to be more courageous in sharing God’s Word. Who has encouraged your faith by the way they handled a difficult situation? Would anyone share your name as one who handles difficult situations with grace and encouragement?
In verses 15-18, it appears that some people in the text wanted to uplift themselves rather than glorifying God, while other preached because they genuinely loved Christ and wanted others to know Him. How can we be more concerned about spreading the Gospel than lifting ourselves up?
Family Challenge: This week, whenever you get frustrated or face disappointment, stop and ask:
How can God use this situation for His purpose?
How can I respond in faith rather than complaining?
🙏 PRAY IT
Father, thank You that our joy does not depend on easy circumstances. Help us trust You when life is difficult. Give us eyes to see how You are working, even through trials. Protect us from jealousy and selfish ambition, and fill our hearts with love for Christ and His gospel. May our family bring glory to You and encourage others to follow Jesus. Amen.