Lessons on Being Brought Low: Hope, Empathy, and Resurrection in Philippi

As humans, we all know what it feels like to hit rock bottom. We have all experienced moments of despair, heartbreak, and pain. Whether it is the loss of a loved one, financial struggles, or physical ailments, we have all faced challenges that have brought us low. But what does it mean to truly know how to be brought low? In the book of Philippians, the apostle Paul shares his own experiences of being brought low and teaches us valuable lessons in the process.

Lesson 1: God works wonders in the low places

When we find ourselves in a situation that brings us low, it is easy to feel defeated and hopeless. We may question why God would allow us to go through such hardships. But Paul reminds us that God can work wonders even in the lowest of places. In Philippians 1:12-13, Paul writes, "I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel, so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to all the rest that my imprisonment is for Christ."

Paul was imprisoned for his faith, a situation that would seem like a setback to many. But Paul recognized that his imprisonment was actually advancing the gospel. His testimony and boldness in the face of adversity had reached even the guards that were keeping him captive. God used Paul's lowly circumstances to spread the message of Christ to those who needed to hear it.

Just like Paul, we may not always understand why we are going through difficult times. But we can trust that God has a purpose and a plan for our suffering. He can use our lowest moments to bring about something good and impactful. So, even when we are brought low, we can hold on to the hope that God is at work in our lives.

Lesson 2: Jesus knows the low places

One of the most challenging aspects of being brought low is the feeling of loneliness. We may feel like no one truly understands our pain or can relate to what we are going through. But the good news is that we have a Savior who knows the low places intimately. In Philippians 2:6-7, Paul writes, "who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men."

Jesus, the Son of God, willingly left the glory of heaven to enter into our broken world. He experienced the full range of human emotions and pain. He faced rejection, betrayal, and even death on a cross. He knows what it feels like to be brought low.

When we are in the depths of despair, we can take comfort in knowing that we have a Savior who can empathize with our suffering. He is not a distant God who is unaware of our pain. He is a compassionate and loving Savior who walks alongside us in our lowest moments. We can pour out our hearts to him, knowing that he understands and cares deeply for us.

Lesson 3: God will raise us up from the low places

While being brought low can feel overwhelming and never-ending, we can find hope in the promise of resurrection. Just as Jesus conquered death and rose to new life, we too can have confidence that God will raise us up from our low places. In Philippians 3:20-21, Paul writes, "But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself."

Our current struggles and suffering are temporary. They are not the end of our story. God has a glorious future in store for us, where all pain and sorrow will be wiped away. He will transform our lowly bodies into glorious ones, and we will experience the fullness of his presence forever.

In the midst of our low moments, it can be difficult to envision a future free from pain and suffering. But we can hold on to the promise that God is faithful and will fulfill his word. Our current circumstances do not define us. Our true citizenship is in heaven, where we will experience the fullness of joy and peace in the presence of our Savior.

Grieve and Give Thanks

Knowing how to be brought low does not mean that we become stoic and unaffected by our pain. It means that we learn to navigate the tension between grief and gratitude. We can grieve the losses and struggles we face, acknowledging the pain and sorrow. But we can also give thanks to God for his faithfulness and the ways he is working in and through our low moments.

We are invited to follow the example of the psalmist who lamented and poured out his heart to God, yet always ended his prayers with words of praise and thanksgiving. In the midst of our pain, we can choose to fix our eyes on God's goodness and faithfulness. We can choose to trust that he is working all things together for our good, even when we cannot see it.

Conclusion

Being brought low is a universal experience. We all face challenges and hardships that threaten to overwhelm us. But as followers of Christ, we have the hope and assurance that God is with us in our lowest moments. He can work wonders even in the low places, and he promises to raise us up from our struggles and suffering.

So, let us embrace the lessons that Paul teaches us in the book of Philippians. Let us trust that God is at work, even when our circumstances seem bleak. Let us find comfort in knowing that Jesus understands our pain and walks alongside us in our lowest moments. And let us hold on to the promise of resurrection, knowing that our current struggles are temporary and that God has a glorious future in store for us.

As we navigate the ups and downs of life, may we learn how to be brought low, grieve and give thanks, and ultimately find our hope and joy in the steadfast love of our Savior.