Devotional: Don't Throw in the Towel

Philippians 1

“I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always offering prayer with joy in my every prayer for you all, in view of your participation in the gospel from the first day until now: (Phil. 1:3-5, NASB).

I have a friend and colleague in the ministry, Lawrence, who talks about life and ministry becoming so difficult that “sometimes I feel like throwing in the towel.” Throwing in the towel is what a boxer does as a sign of defeat and surrender when he feels like he cannot compete in the boxing match any longer. Lawrence says that in times like these he is thankful for Jesus. If he can just have a little talk with Jesus, He will make everything alright. Jesus gives him the strength to make it regardless of the circumstances.

In our passage today, Paul writes from a Roman prison to the saints in the church at Philippi. This church has gone out of its way to meet his needs (v. 7). He is in a difficult situation, but he knows that God is using him to spread the Gospel in spite of opposition. We have not all been called to preach the Gospel, but God calls us to different ways of serving Him through meeting the needs of others. It is a funny thing. When one does something good for others in his or her own name that person is often applauded. However, when one does something to make Christ known in the earth they are often confronted with obstacles and opposition from others. This can make us feel tired, burdened and alone. In times like these we are to thank God for what we have. Things could be worse, and we know that even now God is keeping us in His eternal love. Don’t throw in the towel.