“The telescope brings distant things closer, and the microscope makes tiny things look big. to the unbeliever, Jesus is not very big. Other people and other things are far more important. But as the unbeliever watches Christians go through a crisis experience, he ought to be able to see how big Jesus really is. The believer’s body is a lens that makes a ‘little Christ’ look very big, and a ‘distant Christ’ come very close.”- Warren Wiersbe, Be Joyful
“Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, for I know that through your prayers and God’s provision of the Spirit of Christ Jesus what happened to me will turn out for my deliverance. I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.”- Philippians 1:19-21 (NIV)
In Principle #4: Embrace Your No-Lose Situation of The Joy Challenge, Randy Frazee underscores that Paul embraced his no-lose situation. Because, Randy notes, Paul based his confidence on two things:
- The Philippian believers prayed for him. In verse 4, the original meaning of the word prayer connotes lack or need. Hence, the intercessor gets very specific in their request for another person.
- The assurance he felt from the Holy Spirit within him. Most significantly, Randy states, the words eagerly expect carry the idea of an Olympic runner. The runner strains forward, with head outstretched, ignoring all other runners on the track.
Therefore, in Paul’s terrible, life-threatening scenario, he possessed the secret sauce of joy. His no-lose situation. Yet, Paul saw possible death as more than a release from his earthly troubles. Certainly, Paul sensed Jesus’ real presence on earth. But death took this sense and moved it into reality.
In conclusion, Randy reminds us:
“[Paul’s no-lose situation] was a cause for joy, not fear. Paul was not falling down but falling up — a big difference!”
Today’s question: What Bible verses help you serve as the telescope and the microscope to unbelievers? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “Cope with hope = bottom line”
