“Yes, and I will rejoice, for I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ this will turn out for my deliverance, as it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death” (Philippians 1:19-20 ESV).
There are two ways to understand these verses: Either Paul is expressing the grounds of his confidence that he will be released from prison, assuring the Philippians that he expects to remain alive to minister to them. Or, he expects his deliverance in the ultimate sense of eternal salvation. In both readings, Paul toes the tension between life and death, loss and gain.
“Waiting” and “Anticipating” are closely related but stir about different connotations. Waiting for something can be difficult, but anticipating speaks more to expectation. In what ways do you expect Christ to be honored in your life? What makes that easy? What makes that difficult?
Action: Spend time this week in reflection. As you go about your days, expect God to show up. Pray that Christ would be honored in your life.