Do Not Let Setbacks Stop You

By Author: Cathi Pope
Total Articles: 2
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I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth
me Philippians 4:13

There has been many times then I care to remember when I
have read Philippians 4:13, and each time I have, it would
register with me for a short while, sort of like a passive
attitude, if you will. In other words, I would just take
my faith for granted.

I am sure that you are probably wondering what does she mean by that? I certainly didn't realize this myself at first, but now I do. Let me
explain. In the past, upon reading Philippians 4:13, or
even quoting Philippians 4:13, my reaction would be, oh
yea, all I need is faith, then 10 minutes later I would
forget about it.

Until, of course, it has been brought to my attention the
conditions that the Apostle Paul was in when he wrote this
letter. Paul was in prison in Philippi. Not only that, he
wrote most of the New Testament while in prison in one
place or another. We are not talking about the prisons as
we know them today, oh no. Here is a description of the
type of prison that Paul was in, ...
... they consisted of chains,
fetters, and stocks that were used as means of
confinement.

Now, given these surroundings, it would be understandable
for Paul to just throw in the towel and say I can't take
it anymore, I give up. Let's be honest here, how many of
us would throw in the towel? I can honestly say, that I
have never even come close to this type of a setback, but
what little I have come across, I would throw in the
towel and give up.

Yet, Paul did not allow these setbacks to disrupt him in
spreading the Gospel. He even expresses Joy while writing
these letters. Amazing, isn't it? Yes, but not
impossible, I thank God for Paul who was an example as to
how we are suppose to do God's Will no matter what obstacle
lay in his path.

So, next time we remember, Philippians 4:13, really know it
in your heart and soul that you will not let setbacks stop
you from fulfillling your destiny.

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