Furtherance and Joy of Faith. Philippians 1:25. “And having this confidence, I know that I shall abide and continue with you all for your furtherance and joy of faith;” There is no value in dwelling on our failures or fearing potential failure in the future. Don’t fixate on wasted years, but instead look forward to opportunities waiting for us to step in and face them confidently. Focus on open doors and gates leading into harvest fields ready to be reaped and green pastures abundant with nourishing spiritual food, prepared for sheep to find and easily digest. Many people are simply awaiting an under-shepherd who understands what is needed, how to get there, and how to find food for the soul, life, and mind.
Progress and joy seem to go hand in hand. As faith grows, one begins to see whether the needs around can be met by God through him, whose joy is infectious and can be caught by others. That kind of progress happens when we look ahead and don't let obstacles and opposition fill us with worry. When a person humbly recognizes that his progress and joy can be shared with others, he refuses to waste time on trivial things that hinder or wrongs that tempt the flesh. Look ahead in faith, not in regret, and avoid dwelling on the past.
The signs on life’s road can measure progress: “Has this day been to profit?” “Have I today pleased God?” Progress doesn’t mean badges are given out to be worn with pride. It is better measured by real changes I know are inside. Let me explain: the joy of faith started the night I was born again. In each successive act of my obedience to God, joy increased. When I owned Jesus as Lord, I began having meaningful fellowship with God and my brothers and sisters in Christ. After over seventy years in Christ, I can progress in life with the joy of faith in my heavenly Father.
Our confidence is in God, who knows the reason for everything He allows. When Paul was in prison, he did things he could not have done if he had been at liberty. It was not wrong for him to hope for release because there was still other work to be done. We are not finished until the One with the key makes that unmistakably clear. The joy we find in difficult circumstances is real, and perhaps even greater than the joy we experience when we are free to pursue the goals God has set for us. Paul desired "to live Christ." When that is true, we will find opportunities to bless others wherever we are. When our minds are focused on Christ and His work, we will have joy through the efforts of others and ourselves. It will also bring blessings to us and others, for which we GIVE GOD ALL THE GLORY.