Challenge: Rejoice

But even if I am being poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I rejoice and share my joy with you all.  You too, I urge you, rejoice in the same way and share your joy with me.  Phil 2:17-18 NASB

The more I read and study Scripture, the more I realize I cannot claim any real suffering.  I am not persecuted.  Period.  I just live in a world where there is trouble, and I get caught up in it pretty regularly, either because that’s the way things are or because of my own choices regarding how I go about living in this world.

Despite that reality, I think these verses still apply.  Why?  Because how I respond to the “little” issues I face indicates pretty well how I would respond to true persecution. I am afraid that my responses would not include much rejoicing.

When I learned that our renters were moving out instead of buying our house, I sent out messages asking for prayer.  What if I had, instead, sent out messages saying, “Look at this situation!  It’s a perfect opportunity for God to bring glory to Himself!  Come rejoice with me!”  I’m sure many would have called me insane, but I honestly don’t mind that.  Others would not have believed that my attitude would remain joyful – that I was just putting forth a brave front.  In my own heart, however, I know it would have set a tone for my own attitude during this time.  An overall attitude of rejoicing even in those moments when anxiety reared its ugly head.  What if? 

Naturally, that becomes my challenge.  To face each new “issue” in life with the attitude of rejoicing, and to call others to join with me in that rejoicing.  Then when I face true persecution, the habit will be established and I can join in Paul’s rejoicing.