Some time ago, I was able to get an advance copy of A Life Full of Forbearance but without Anxiety by Witness Lee (now offered for free from Bibles for America). I loved reading through it, and found myself pausing many times to pray, repent, and thank the Lord. This book has helped me appreciate Paul’s epistle to the Philippians, and to echo his desire “that I may gain Christ” (Phil. 3:8).
In this book, drawn from the Life-study of Philippians, Witness Lee explores the far-reaching ramifications of Paul’s message in Philippians by focusing on two words from chapter four: forbearance and anxiety. By returning to these words again and again from different angles, they become an entry point into a deeper appreciation of God’s plan as seen in the entire Bible.
It’s easy to appreciate Paul’s pursuit of Christ on a surface level. Verses like “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” can easily become inspirational slogans with little reality. In these messages, Witness Lee consistently digs into the word, bringing Paul’s deep thought in Philippians to bear on the way we actually live our lives.
Among other things, these messages explore the meaning of forbearance and anxiety in the original Greek, survey forbearance throughout the entire Bible, and even consider anxiety and suffering in the context of God’s purpose. Each of these matters can seem distant or speculative, but they are consistently applied to ordinary life through practical illustrations that stir an aspiration to know Christ.
The Christian life revealed in this epistle, viewed through the lens of forbearance versus anxiety, is one lived in the spiritual pursuit of a real and living Christ, who bountifully supplies His believers to be magnified through them. I would highly recommend this book to you.
There’s an overview of the book on the BfA blog, and you can order a free copy online.
Laying Hold 
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