Philippians 1:14 - Freedom In Chains

Step 1: Pray. Select.

As I sat this morning, wondering what scripture would hold today’s “daily bread,” the words, “being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ” (Philippians 1:8) came to mind.

As I read through the entire chapter to provide further context for Paul's message, the Holy Spirit struck me like a lightning bolt when I came to Philippians 1:14.

I knew this was where we should begin our journey today, friends.

Step 2: Write. Read. Circle

After reading the scripture three times, the following words stood out amongst the others:

Philippians 1:14 - and most of the brethren in the Lord, having become confident by my chains, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.

Step 3: Re-Write

With a focus on the words I circled that stood out, here is the personalized sentence that came alive in my heart.

• Jennifer, having become confident by my chains, are bold without fear.

If you are doing this alongside me today, add your name in front of your unique sentence so the Lord can speak directly to you.

Step 4: Visualize

As I close my eyes and meditate on the words of my sentence, the Holy Spirit prompts me to fully embrace Paul's dedication and tireless writing, regardless of the conditions. While still in great distress and facing a threat to his own life, he continues to spread the gospel and look out for others, ensuring the integrity of the gospel is protected and passed along.

I think of this strong, bold statement: " Confident in my chains.” In some ways, Paul could have been content just living out his life without any care or regard for people or the world when he was known as Saul, before being renamed. However, after his divine encounter, he embarked on a completely different life—a life that resulted in chains in order to be free.

How many of us stand for something so profound and life-changing that we are willing to be bound with little to no freedom, to give freedom to others?

The Holy Spirit asks me to focus on the word “my” in “my chains.” Yes, Paul was imprisoned against his will; however, if he had continued with the status quo, his life would have been easy. Instead, he chose a road less traveled. A symbolic result of Paul's encounter on the road to Damascus, where he was traveling and doing business as usual. Then suddenly, through an encounter with Jesus, he was changed forever and could no longer return to his old ways. The path is clear ahead - to preach the gospels of the Messiah at all costs. So, in his chains, he rejoices, spreading the good news and praising God no matter the circumstance. He is still on his path. And now, with the threat of death and persecution over his head, he still writes with more confidence than ever because he has nothing more to lose.

The Holy Spirit prompts me to focus on the second half of the sentence. “Bold without fear.”

By relinquishing Paul’s worldly ideology, he gains boldness and no longer fears what people will think of him. He is clear and precise. He is an example of how a single encounter with Jesus can transform your entire life. And practicing his wisdom makes you unstoppable!

A question arises, so I move to Step 5.

Step 5: Ask. Seek

The requests/questions that came to mind are:

• Holy Spirit, sometimes I think I might be slightly afraid of fully sacrificing small everyday habits that are keeping me from my path. How do I determine what is on my path and what is hurting my path? How do I avoid the spirit of perfectionism?

Step 6: Hear. Write. Receive

Here is the answer I received:

“In everything you do, there is a word to consult. You are not meant to live a life where you condemn yourself or others or determine your every move. You are meant to live a life surrendering to the Father's will. You are human and live in a human world. But examine your nature in all things. When you are partaking in worldly things, what do you feel? What are your intentions? The LORD examines your heart and your mind. If you are not at peace, stop and ask why. There is only peace and freedom when you live in alignment with your Father. The world is not inherently bad; people are not inherently bad, but there is sin. Stop and check in with your Father, as Jesus did. Ask him the questions that come to mind as you go along. Have grace on yourself that you don’t know all the answers, but have comfort in the fact that He does. You have been waiting to be free and joyous for a very long time, so stop protecting yourself; this is your Father's job. Remember this - For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9)

Step 7: Pray. Confirm

If you used the scripture of the day and need prayer or someone to pray with you, connect Here. Remember, you are not alone.

Step 8: Share. Testify

If you used the 8-Step Prayer Practice today, we would love to hear about how God is working in your life! You can comment below or share your miracle or testimony HERE.

Conclusion:

Friends, let’s take Paul’s words to heart. Even though we may have to make uncomfortable sacrifices or give up some creature comforts, know that if God put it on your heart, then it's better to let go and let God.

Even in chains or through our challenges, let us still praise God, for we have more freedom than we know through the eternal promises of Jesus Christ.

Let us not discount the tremendous power in the scriptures we read each day. Be ready for attempts or fiery darts of the enemy to fly to distract you from living a life closer to Jesus and his teachings. Be bold and know that there are no chains and condemnation in Christ Jesus. He holds all the answers to your questions in his word. Just ask him!

Finally, I pray you are all well and stay on the path set before you today, following Jesus every step of the way.

God bless and see you soon!