Philippians 1:19-26 Paul's confidence is tremendous. From his vantage point there would be only one of two outcomes from his imprisonment. Either freedom with Christ in heaven or by being set free prison. Either way he would not lose. He saw heaven as the best alternative- 'to be with Christ is far better.' Yet he saw the spiritual need of those he wrote to. There were areas that they lacked spiritually. Consequently, he wrestled with what his choice would be if he had any say in the matter.
Paul counts on his deliverance (the word used here is the same one used elsewhere for physical healing, rescue form danger or death, salvation, justification, sanctification, and glorification) to be brought about by the combined desire of believers in prayer, the Holy Spirit and his hope in Christ. An important consideration here is that he did not confine God's directive in his life to only one course. 'Hard-pressed' (v.23) describes the struggle in his mind about which would be better. Freedom could come either in death or by being physically loosed from his chains. As the 'Spirit of Truth', the Holy Spirit teaches our minds and intercedes on our behalf before the Father.
Paul did not try to confine God to his (Paul's) personal will. His view the situation allowed for God's will to be done in his life. This kept him from disappointment and freed him from worry. How often do our prayers end in disappointment because we come to God not allowing for the latitude He would like? Perhaps there is a good lessen here for us as well.
Pastor Paul
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