PHILIPPIANS 1:17

“the former proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition rather than from pure motives, thinking that they are causing me distress in my imprisonment.”

Have you ever been “between a rock and a hard place”? Do you know what I mean? There seems to be pressure mounting from every side. There is no escape. I have experienced that a few times in my life. Let me just say – I did not enjoy it! Lol. People were clamoring for things to be done. I had family responsibilities. One thing after another was demanding my time, and I had no help. (or so I thought)

Why am I talking about that? Because Paul uses a word today that could be described in that fashion. The word “distress” is the Greek word thlipsis, which Strong’s Lexicon describes this way. It “is used in the New Testament to describe a state of severe distress or suffering, often due to external pressures or persecution. It conveys the idea of being under pressure or in a state of affliction, whether physical, emotional, or spiritual.” Paul had the pressure of imprisonment and these “no-gooders” were trying to take advantage of the situation, hoping to hurt Paul even more.

APPLICATION

Thlipsis is used in Mark 4:17 to describe the afflictions that come upon the seed sown in the rocky soil. We know what happened there, don’t we? The seed could not survive. Neither can you if you remain there. We need nourishment. We need watering. I am planting a couple of new shrubs in our yard right now. The soil is not the most favorable. It’s hard and clay like. I had to dig a larger than necessary hole to make sure there was enough room for the roots of that plant to survive. I had to go deep. Hmmm, that might just apply to us, don’t you think?

In Romans 5:3-4, Paul gives us an interesting take on this word, thlipsis. “3 And not only this, but we also celebrate in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; 4 and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope;” Paul actually has the nerve to say tribulations (thlipsis) can produce something good. How dare he! Lol.

I know in my life, that has been true. It takes a lot of pressure and time to produce a diamond, doesn’t it? God allows this distress, these tribulations in our lives to make us into His diamonds, His precious gems. He loves you enough to allow that. When we learn to embrace it, like Paul, we will begin to see the benefits.

O Lord, it’s hard to say “Thank You” for the tribulations of life, but I trust You know how best to make me into what You want me to be.