I Hope...
Philippians 2:19, Devotional #2

If the Lord Jesus is willing, I hope to send Timothy to you soon. Then when he comes back, he can cheer me up by telling me how you are getting along.
Philippians 2:19

Father, this verse is fascinating to me and makes me think about how I make decisions. It causes me to think about the things I hope for. It leads me to think about the motives behind what I hope for. It helps me ponder my approach to daily living. It causes me to think about how alive You are to me. It makes me sit here right now with a thankful heart amidst my puzzling, pondering, curious thoughts and questions.

And, Paul wanted to send Timothy to Philippi so that "when he comes back, he can cheer me up by telling me how you are getting along." Those are his words. You know, Father, in these thoughts, I see a man in relationship with his Lord; a man in relationship with another man, Timothy; and a man in relationship with a community of believers. Paul had given himself in the sharing of the Gospel. He had poured out the great truth of your love. And now he simply wants an update. In prison, facing death, he simply wants an update of the workings of His Lord in their lives. And the reality is, nothing else really compares to that joy, concern, and desire. He knows that the work You began in their lives would continue to its completion - and yet, he wanted an update.

I find myself thankful to reflect on the reality that You are at work today and that you continue to be about the transforming power of changed lives. Life certainly doesn't always go the way we want...but there is peace knowing that You are willing, able and capable of continuing what you started. We need You Lord Jesus. Come Holy Spirit!

Thank you, Father, in Jesus name. Amen.

Love, Dad/Danny