Six Reflections on Philippians 1:21

By

Philippians 1:21
To Live is Christ, To Die is Gain: A Journey of Surrender

If there’s one Bible verse that used to give me fear, it was Philippians 1:21: “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.” When I was younger in my faith, these words felt too radical, too heavy to truly embrace. My best friend Glenies and I even made a promise to each other—we would never marry pastors. We thought pastors' wives had to be super holy, prim, and proper, and we were far from that. The idea of living sacrificially for ministry seemed overwhelming. We couldn’t imagine surrendering our lives in such a way. It felt too much, too difficult.

Yet, God had a different plan for me, and little did I know, He would take me on a journey of surrender, reshaping my fears into faith and my reluctance into purpose.

A Journal Entry Read by the Wrong (or Right) Person

I have loved journaling since my college years. Writing down my prayers, dreams, and reflections helped me process my faith journey. I even wrote a list of qualities I prayed for in a future husband. I highlighted “a godly man” but made sure to note—not necessarily a pastor!

Fast forward a few years, and I found out that my husband, Vandy, had read that journal before we were even dating. I had left it on my table in the stilt mission house where I lived, and young people would often come by for fellowship or simply to grab a drink of water. One day, while I wasn’t home, Vandy saw my journal and read my prayer list. The funny thing? He only told me about it after we were already married!

Looking back, I see how God was gently preparing my heart. At that time, I was so determined to follow my own plans. But as I grew in my faith, God showed me that His will is far greater than mine. He was leading me somewhere I never expected—to the mission field, to a life of surrender, and ultimately, to a man who was already fully committed to living out Philippians 1:21.

A Verse that Transforms

While I wrestled with this verse for years, it was the complete opposite for Vandy. He embraced Philippians 1:21 wholeheartedly from the moment he became a Christian.

When I asked him why this was his favorite verse, he said, “This verse transformed my life, my faith, and the way I perceive everything. It fuels me, renews me, and keeps my heart anchored in Christ.”

Vandy has always been decisive and a man of his word. He said he would be willing to die for the sake of the gospel, and I see that same passion in how he serves, loves, and leads. He gives his best to Christ because he truly believes that living means serving Jesus, and when the time comes, dying will be a gain because he will be with Him.

And so, through marriage, ministry, and personal struggles, God has slowly shaped my heart, teaching me what it truly means to live for Christ.

6 Reflections on Philippians 1:21

Six Reflections on Philippians 1:21

  1. Surrendering Our Fears
    I was afraid of this verse because I wasn’t ready to surrender. But true life in Christ begins when we lay everything at His feet. Fear loses its grip when we fully trust Him. Surrendering is not about losing control—it’s about placing our lives in the hands of the One who knows what is best.

  2. Redefining Purpose
    Before I fully committed to ministry, I thought my life’s purpose was about comfort, security, and personal success. But Philippians 1:21 shifts our focus. Living is no longer about us—it’s about glorifying Christ in every aspect of our lives. Whether in teaching, parenting, or serving, our purpose is to make Christ known.

  3. Finding Joy in Sacrifice
    When Paul wrote this verse, he was imprisoned. Yet, his words were filled with joy. He knew that living for Christ wasn’t about an easy life—it was about a fulfilling one. Serving in Cambodia has had its challenges, but seeing young Khmer lives transformed by the gospel makes every sacrifice worth it.

  4. Faith Over Comfort
    One of my biggest struggles was wanting a “safe” Christian life—one that didn’t involve too much risk. But Jesus never promised comfort; He promised peace in the midst of trials. Choosing faith means stepping out even when it’s uncomfortable.

  5. Living as a Testimony
    Our lives should reflect Christ in such a way that others see Him through us. Vandy and I are passionate about sharing the gospel in Cambodia, not just through words but through our lives. The young people in our dorm ministry are watching. Our son is watching. Our friends and neighbors are watching. What story is our life telling them?

  6. Gaining Eternity
    The greatest hope we have is that when our earthly lives end, we gain eternity with Christ. This changes how we live. It makes every hardship, sacrifice, and challenge here on earth worth enduring because we know where our true home is.

A Heartfelt Prayer

Heavenly Father,
Thank You for the gift of life in Christ. Teach us what it truly means to live for You. Help us surrender our fears and trust in Your perfect plan. May we embrace the purpose You have set before us, finding joy even in sacrifice. Give us the boldness to share the gospel and live as testimonies of Your grace. When challenges arise, remind us that our greatest gain is not found in this world but in eternity with You.

Prayer Reflections on Philippians 1:21
Lord, I pray for those who are hesitant, for those who feel unworthy, for those who are struggling to surrender—meet them where they are. Show them Your love and lead them deeper into faith.

May our lives be a reflection of Your goodness and a light to those who do not yet know You.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Living Out Philippians 1:21

Looking back, I smile at my younger self—the one who was so sure she wouldn’t marry a pastor, the one who feared ministry, the one who held onto her own plans so tightly. But God, in His grace, gently led me to a life far richer than anything I could have imagined.

Vandy and I are still on this journey, learning each day what it truly means to live for Christ. But one thing we know for sure—to live is Christ, to die is gain. And by His grace, we will continue to live it out, here in Cambodia, one step of faith at a time. 

Serving in Cambodia, 

The Hourngs!

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

What's the truth?

By
Image
What a rainy morning we have in Phnom Penh today 🙏😉.  Has summer ended in Cambodia already? As a plant lover, I do rejoice about it! It's about time to experience some rain shower 😍 While on a tuktuk today, I pondered on this verse in Colossians 1:13 "He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. "  It is a great reminder that we have been saved through Jesus’ - His death and resurrection made it happened. God has saved us from darkness and evil, and we should be grateful for being citizens of His kingdom. Our freedom comes from Him, who can change our circumstances. Over dinner last night. our David has again asked a question, I think this is still in reference to our previous conversation a few nights ago but this time, he has included his dad 😅✌👉  David's lamentations ***While eating... David: Mom, will I go to heaven with dad someday? Mom: David, do y...
Read more

How to Cook Khmer Nom banh chok?

By
Image
Last week, I blogged about a Filipino dish 👉 "Tinolang Manok" - my comfort food.  Today, I also would like to feature a special Khmer noodle that I have loved eating ever since I stepped my foot in Cambodia. Vandy and I have already tried several versions of this noodle dish. Each place/province or homes have their own take on making it. The ingredients and technique vary from household for sure. We love eating it in my husband's hometown Kampong Cham. My in-laws prepare it with love. This noodle is not only popular during the holidays and festivals, but also being served for important events in the country. I wish to be able to make it, but I believe it would be a long time for me to even replicate what my in-laws are making. I have watched and helped them make it but it's just too complicated for me haha! Kunthea, my sister-in-law who is living with us made Nom Banh Chok last month. Here's a recipe for how she made it. But I would want you to know some importa...
Read more

5 Steps to Effectively Share the Gospel

By
Image
My husband is praying to win another soul for Christ in our neighborhood. We are grateful to be living in a "Borey" (community in Khmer) where there is a Park. We love walking and exercising at our park. Vandy would be exercising in the early morning there, he would wait for the sun (natural Vitamin D!). It so happened that some new faces would come and exercise as well. On some weekends, my husband has had the opportunity to walk and talk to an elder man while walking on the park. Vandy is an introverted person, it's a struggle for him to even start a conversation, but one thing I like about him is that he is a good listener. And because of that, the elder man is so happy to have conversations with him. He found out that he was a government retiree. They have lots of topics as they walk in the park from politics, family down to health. Vandy is very persistent in listening and is waiting for the opportunity for him to speak. My husband knew it would take a while for the...
Read more

Hosting at home

By
Image
Ms. Allyn was my former boss (World Hope Org), speaking life to me as a future bride to Vandy in 2009 . She gifted us with a rice cooker, which, up to now, is being used for the church monthly potluck! Cool, right? I’ve always believed that hospitality is more than opening the doors of our homes, it’s opening the doors of our hearts. Here in Phnom Penh, where life buzzes with the noise of traffic and the rhythm of daily routines, God gives us moments that remind us of His quiet glory through friendships, food, stories, and smiles. Just like Psalm 19:1 declares, “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands,” our little acts of love and fellowship can also speak loudly of His presence and goodness. And sometimes, it happens over shared meals, in homes where stories are retold, prayers whispered, and hearts encouraged. A Full Circle of Kindness More than ten years ago, I was a young single missionary based in Kratie province . Whenever I would travel to ...
Read more

7 Scripture Prayers for Our Children on the Spectrum

By
Image
Twelve years ago, God gifted us with a beautiful baby boy David. Last Saturday (June 7th), he’s officially 12.  Almost a teenager. It feels surreal. I still remember cradling him in my arms, marveling at the miracle we had waited and prayed for. His sweet smile, chubby cheeks, and joyful eyes gave us warmth even during our most uncertain days. He was and still is our ray of sunshine. Coming home from work each day to his big hugs and excited squeals has always been the highlight of our day. Whether I had a long day at the university or Vandy, my husband, had just returned from a week in the provinces doing mission work, seeing David run toward us always made everything worthwhile. But something in me shifted this year. He’s growing up. Yes, he still needs us, but differently. He now prepares his own school uniforms, picks out the color of sets he wants to wear, and tells us his food preferences. He has opinions. He voices them. He has feelings and thoughts he wants to express. And ...
Read more

Do you have a missionary calling?

By
Image
Phnom Penh City at night (view from the Ferry ride) My missionary calling started some decades back in my country (the Philippines). I would be trekking and ministering around to the tribal community with my mission classmates at (ACM) Asian Center for Missions .  These mission travels have given me much clarity about God's calling for me to become a missionary.  I vividly remembered; my last tribal mission was in Davao - the Matigsalug tribe. It was an extra wonderful experience that even sealed my faith journey. God has impressed me that His name will be exalted among the nations! (and I should look for ways to serve and be a part of it!). We trekked for the whole day to the mountains and streams to reach a local community. It was exhausting but truly worth it trek! I was glad I was able to write this post in 2007 👉  Missions to Matigsalug Tribe .  Months after that tribal trip, I began my mission journey here in Cambodia. As a single missionary, I joyfully took t...
Read more