21 For to me, living is Christ and dying is gain. 22 If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me; and I do not know which I prefer. 23 I am hard pressed between the two: my desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better; 24 but to remain in the flesh is more necessary for you. 25 Since I am convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with all of you for your progress and joy in faith, 26 so that I may share abundantly in your boasting in Christ Jesus when I come to you again. 27 Only, live your life in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that, whether I come and see you or am absent and hear about you, I will know that you are standing firm in one spirit, striving side by side with one mind for the faith of the gospel, 28 and are in no way intimidated by your opponents. For them this is evidence of their destruction, but of your salvation. And this is God’s doing. 29 For he has graciously granted you the privilege not only of believing in Christ, but of suffering for him as well— 30 since you are having the same struggle that you saw I had and now hear that I still have.
- Light a candle to remember Christ’s presence with you.
- Spend 5 to 15 minutes in silent meditation using your deep breathing to guide you.
- Sit in a chair with your feet firmly planted on the ground. As you breathe, allow the breath to fill you fully, feeling the breath pass through your lungs all the way down to your toes. Continue this deep breathing.
- Imagine roots are sprouting from your feet, entering the ground, growing deep into the earth, planting you firmly into the earth.
- From this place of being firmly planted, consider how you are standing firm in the Spirit.
- What belief in Christ you feel?
- What suffering in Christ do you feel?
- How is God calling you to stand firm in Christ in a new way?
- Give thanks to God for the faith to stand firm in Christ and for any new insights you have received.
- Share as you feel led in the reply box below.