Be Content

Phillipians 4: 11 - 13

 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.  I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.  I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

You know, I’ve always been able to quote the “All things through Christ which strengtheneth me” part of the scripture but I never realized what in particular Paul was talking about at the time! Paul was a full-time minister who actually had to take up a job every now and then to support himself. Sometimes the church was able to provide for him generously, and other times the resources (or the hearts) weren’t there. But Paul realized that no matter which side the coin landed on, He had learned how to endure and enjoy both.

The Lord will not always lead us into situations that are comfortable or ideal for us physically. As a matter of fact, Christ wants us to fellowship and enjoy His suffering while we’re here. Christ knows that it is through suffering that He will be made evident to the world. So it would suit us today to submit to God as He leads. Let us enjoy both the comfortable and the uncomfortable, the rich and the poor. As a matter of fact, in whatever area of life that you may be dealing with, you may find yourself at any extreme of the spectrum. But just rest assured that this is what God needs you to go through right now. So rest. Be content.