Living Joyfully Ever After! Part 2: Discovering Joy in Difficult Times and Places!

[1] To discover joy in difficult times and places — 

Look for godly not at restricting circumstances!

Philippians 1:12 (NIV)

Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel.

Acts 28:30-31 (NIV) — For two whole years Paul stayed there in his own rented house and welcomed all who came to see him. 31 He proclaimed the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ—with all boldness and without hindrance!

Ministering Opportunity #1 –

Paul got to share Jesus with his 24/7 palace guards!

Philippians 1:13 (NLT)

For everyone here, including the whole palace guard, knows that I am in chains because of Christ.

Philippians 4:22 (MSG)

All the Christians here, especially the believers who work in the palace of Caesar, want to be remembered to you.

Ministering Opportunity #2 –

Paul’s joyful and courageous attitude encouraged other believers!

Philippians 1:14 (NLT)

And because of my imprisonment, most of the believers here have gained confidence and boldly speak God’s message without fear.

[2] To discover joy in difficult times and places —

Decide to positively rather than negatively react!

Philippians 1:15-18 (MSG)

Some here preach Christ because with me out of the way, they think they’ll step right into the spotlight . . . 17 Their motives are bad. They see me as their competition, and so the worse it goes for me, the better—they think—for them. 18 So how am I to respond? I’ve decided that I really don’t care about their motives, whether mixed, bad, or indifferent. Every time one of them opens his mouth, Christ is proclaimed, so I just cheer them on! And I’m going to keep that celebration going.

[3] To discover joy in difficult times and places —

Become an interdependent not an independent loner!

Philippians 1:19 (TLB) — I am going to keep on being glad, for I know that as you pray for me, and as the Holy Spirit helps me, this is all going to turn out for my good.

Leaning Practice #1: Pray for others and ask for their prayers!

(Romans 1:9; 15:30; Ephesians 1:16; 6:19; 2 Thess. 1:11; 3:1)

Leaning Practice #2: Develop a growing partnership with the Holy Spirit!

John 14:16 (NLT) — And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, who will never leave you.

Philippians 4:13 (TLB) — I can do everything God asks me to with the help of Christ who gives me the strength and power.

[4] To discover joy in difficult times and places —

Correctly 2 of life’s biggest questions!

Big question #1 – For me, to live is … what?

Philippians 1:21 (NIV) — For to me, to live is Christ …

Big question #2 – For me, to die is … what?

Philippians 1:21 (NIV)
For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.