Philippians 1:21 – “For to me, to live is CHRIST, and to die is gain.”
This verse, written by the Apostle Paul, powerfully declares that CHRIST was the very center and purpose of his earthly life. For Paul, living meant serving and glorifying CHRIST; dying meant gaining the ultimate reward—being with Him forever. His words show that CHRIST was not only his reason for living but also his source of joy, courage, and meaning. “To die is gain” reveals that Paul did not fear death but saw it as an immediate and far greater blessing—entering the presence of his Savior and Lord.
Paul penned these words while imprisoned, torn between two desires: to depart and be with CHRIST(which he called “far better”), or to remain alive to continue his ministry and help believers grow in faith. His life exemplified total devotion to the advancement of the gospel of CHRIST.
In 1992, I personally experienced something similar. While preaching the Gospel in a Muslim nation, I was abducted by Islamic extremists. Falsely accused of blasphemy, I was tortured for 210 agonizing minutes by three jihadists who inflicted unbearable pain on my body. The Islamic high court sentenced me to death by hanging, and I spent days on death row in one of their worst prisons.
During those dark hours, I meditated deeply on Philippians 1:21. I prayed earnestly, asking God to watch over me and my family as my execution drew near. The HOLY SPIRIT continually reminded me of CHRIST’s suffering on the cross and of Paul’s imprisonment and persecution. My final prayers were anchored in this verse, and from it I drew boldness, courage, and strength. I asked GOD to continue using my life for His purposes if I was to survive.
Since what I call my “days of agony and ecstasy,” I have faced death many times: twice I nearly died of COVID in 2020, and in June 2024, I was diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer. Yet, by GOD’s grace, I am still here—gratefully alive, still serving my Savior and Lord JESUS CHRIST. I still struggle with severe pain in my sacral and upper back, but despite all of the pain, I firmly and strongly believe that GOD has brought me to a turning point in my life where I am honored and exceedingly blessed to keep on declaring, “I SHALL NOT DIE BUT LIVE AND DECLARE THE GREAT WORKS OF MY LORD AND MY GOD.” Amen.
PRAYER:
Glorious Heavenly FATHER, I offer this heartfelt prayer based on Your Word in Philippians 1:21,”For me, to live is CHRIST, and to die is gain.” -LORD, I choose to live my life for You, to honor and glorify You in all that I do. You are my source of joy and the meaning behind my existence. When I face difficulties, or even the prospect of death, I pray for an attitude of joy, knowing that I will gain eternal life with You. May my hope in You sustain me and give me a resilient strength to carry on. Please help me to live each day with this assurance, sharing this hope with a world in despair. Thank You for Your promise of eternal life, which gives me peace and purpose.
In JESUS' great and powerful Name, Amen.
PS: www.christiansincrisis.net
A face and a voice for persecuted followers of JESUS.