Convinced

Philippians 1:25-26 And being confident of this, I know that I shall remain and continue with you all for your progress and joy of faith, 26 that your rejoicing for me may be more abundant in Jesus Christ by my coming to you again.
 
POWER comes from Paul’s words. He is a man on a mission. The apostle in prison is confident of this. He knows he shall remain. Paul will continue with all for (their) progress and joy of faith.
    These words would be easy if one were the leader of a country or given authority to do as he pleased. But Paul is at the mercy of a pagan government. He has just expressed a spiritual challenge. Some doubts of his purpose seemed to surface as he languished under Roman guard. A passionate man such as Paul, who purposefully pursues Jesus, could live in despair of his restrictions.
    But Paul moved past the despair to be confident in his Lord. He remembered his call to the gospel was God’s hand upon him. His physical circumstance was a limited prison house. But his spiritual reality was unlimited faith in Christ Jesus. Centered on Jesus, he saw beyond the prison house to joyfully focus on the work God purposed for him. 
    Joy will fill your life, too, when you understand your purpose as Jesus’ disciple. Joy generates new passion. Look beyond your limitations. We all have them. Then grasp the Lord’s ever-expanding love for you. Your mind will open to realize it his power, not yours, that moves you forward. Despair and uncertainty disappear when you are grateful for opportunities to minister God’s grace.  
    Remember, Jesus said in
John 15:10-11 If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father's commands and remain in his love. 11 I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. This is what Paul was doing. He was remaining in Jesus’ love. He was obeying Jesus’ commands. He was living in complete joy.
 
Joy Link: Remain in your joyful Lord.