Partnership
“I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” –Philippians 1:3–6 (ESV)
Partnership in the gospel. I rejoice that we aren’t meant to spread the gospel alone. There may be times and seasons that require it, but overall God knows and Jesus modeled our need for partners. Paul continued that example in his ministry. He always went on mission with at least one person—often with many; and in each place he established partners to carry on the work after he left. In this particular example, the Philippians were active participants in gospel work in their own city as well as on-going supporters of Paul’s work abroad—possibly at great personal sacrifice. In 2 Corinthians 8:1–5 Paul mentions the Macedonian churches (Phillipi was a leading city in Macedonia) giving out of joy, affliction, and poverty.
Just as Paul took time to remember, I invite you to take a few minutes to reflect with the Holy Spirit on your gospel partnerships. The First Nation’s Version translates verse 5 as, “Because from the first day until now we have walked side by side in the telling of the good story.” Who walks beside you in telling the good story? Take a few minutes to remember your partners both near and far.
Is there a partnership that brings you particular joy? Take time to thank God in joyful prayer. If the Spirit leads, reach out to them and tell them.
Is there a partnership causing you pain or sorrow? Ask the Holy Spirit for wisdom and counsel. Is this partnership still helping to tell the good story? If so, ask for help in navigating the relationship; if not, ask if it needs to end.
Are you longing for partners in your local context? In need of prayer or financial support for your ministry? Take your need or loneliness to your heavenly Father. Ask for his provision. Reflect on verse 6, “I have no doubts that the one who set your feet on this good path will keep walking it with you until the day that Creator Sets Free (Jesus) the Chosen One appears” (First Nations Version*).
In closing, ask the Holy Spirit if there is anyone in need of your partnership.
Today is the 6th anniversary of my family’s gospel partnership with you, our Novo community; and I thank God for you in joyful prayer, blessing you from my heart with words from Paul, “Therefore my brothers and sisters, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm thus in the Lord, my beloved” (Phil. 4:1, ESV).
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Miriam Hesse is a Spiritual Director, Deepen staff member, and Wellness Shepherd for the Gospel Movement Team in Berlin, Germany. She and her husband Eric joined Novo Feb. 1, 2017. They have three sons: Ethan (20), Micah (17), and Gethro (13).
*First Nations Version.Terry M. Wildman, First Nations Version Translation Council consulting ed. Downers Grove, IL.: InterVarsity Press, 2021.
