"I will
continue to rejoice. For I know that as you pray for me and the Spirit of Jesus
Christ helps me, this will lead to my deliverance." (Philippians 1:18b-19 NLT)

When
things are falling apart, don't try to work it out yourself. Just let God put
the pieces back together.

If
you're facing a problem, you've got two options: You can worship or you can
worry. That's it! This is what I call the faith factor.

Paul says in Philippians 1:18-19, "I will
continue to rejoice. For I know that as you pray for me and the Spirit of Jesus
Christ helps me, this will lead to my deliverance" (NLT).

In that one verse, Paul gives several sources of strength so you can stay
positive and happy in tough times.

First,
you have to keep God's perspective on your problems. Paul says, "For I know."
It's what you know that keeps you going. Paul knew God was working in the midst
of his struggle, and he kept God's bigger perspective.

Secondly,
Paul had people praying for him, and it kept him going. Then he says, "The
Spirit of Jesus Christ helps me." The Holy Spirit also kept Paul going. Finally
he says, "This will lead to my deliverance." Paul had faith that God would work
his problem for good.

Because
he had God's perspective, the prayer of friends, the Holy Spirit, and faith,
Paul chose to "continue to rejoice."

It's
your choice to rejoice.

Talk It Over

What
does it look like to worship God in the midst of a struggle?Who
do you rely on for prayer support? Who can you count on to genuinely and
faithfully pray for your spiritual growth?Think
of a problem that you're experiencing right now. How have you seen God work in
the midst of your pain? What do you expect God to do in and through you because
of this experience?