Partners in Joy

When I have occasion to write a note of thanks, quite often Philippians 1:3 comes to mind, and many times I’ll include it in the text-

I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy . . .

As Paul greets the Philippians, he wants them to know how much they mean to him. In fact, they serve as a source of joy as he remembers his partnership with them and God’s good work in them.

We can take a lesson here from Paul regarding finding joy- Not only did joy come from his PASSION for the MASTER’S MISSION– the gospel- it also came through PARTNERSHIPS WITH PEOPLE.

We hear his heart in verses 4-11- gratitude for these folks who have shared grace with him– the unmerited favor of God- salvation. He is confident that God is working in them and will continue to work in them until the day of Christ. He prays earnestly and joyfully for them because he loves them with the love of Christ and desires that they be full of love and grow in love as well. 

Paul’s relationship with the Philippians sets an example for us. He’s asking us to consider-

Who are your heart people . . .  your partners in grace . . . that you are serving with and praying for- to the glory and praise of God?

As I read these first 11 verses, I’m considering my people . . .

First is Wally- my partner in life, love, family, and ministry.

This man is a gift- encouraging me in God’s good work in my life and in the lives of our kids- our greatest gospel partnership. God blessed us with three- Katie, Taylor, and Graham.  Back in the day-

We had our hands full- way in over our heads in the wisdom department, but God blessed us with grace, and all these years later-

We’re grown up by grace and adding to our number- welcome, Bill!

I find myself in full agreement with a recent tweet from @BethMooreLPM, “It’s the craziest unexpected grace when your kids grow up into fine adults with God-given conviction & courage & minds, plans & passions of their own & you know you’d have taken notice of them, liked them & respected them without anything else to go on but watching them & Jesus.”

Yes, and Amen- unexpected, undeserved favor, and my heart is full of joy!

But partnerships go beyond immediate family, so I remember my prayer partner, Jane.

God brought us together when we were young marrieds participating in Baptist Young Women. We’ve been meeting to encourage one another and pray for one another and our families for over 20 years. Our partnership has spanned changes in church and work seasons, but through it all- joy abounds with this sweet sister in Christ.

Then there are partners in ministry through the churches where we have served-

Pendleton Street Baptist Church, faithfully providing for and pouring into our family- giving us opportunities to learn and grow and serve.

And now with Upstate Church, First Baptist Simpsonville- I’m thankful for the Morning Break ladies God has brought together to lead Bible study with me and the Connect Group where Wally and I have found genuine fellowship and growth.

The circle continues to widen as I think of the women God has provided as partners through the raising of kids and emptying of nests-  we’ve celebrated milestones and provided what Proverbs 27:9 describes as a sweet perfume on one another.

And my heart is full . . . when I remember . . . so much joy in people-

God is also reminding me though of my responsibility to pray for people– that God will continue to work in and through them for His glory and praise. This is where true joy is found! So I’m adding another PIC to my folder-

I want to follow Paul’s example shared in Philippians 1:1-11 and know the joy that comes from-

Passion for God and His mission 
Partnering with People 
in Prayer

For the glory and praise of God- 

Yes, and Amen!