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Can you REALLY do all things?
I love the scripture that many people claim as their favorite, Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Athletes, politicians, famous and infamous people have claimed this scripture to motivate themselves and others. Many teams claim this verse to help motivate them to win! But how many really understand the implications of this verse? Paul states in the scripture immediately prior to this that he had learned to be content in whatever his current circumstances: he had been needy, he had been prosperous. Paul was beaten, tortured, jailed, and threatened with death many times as he was run out of numerous towns and villages. Yet he was content!!! Content meant that he was at peace with “in whatever state I am”. Even really bad circumstances!
Are we content? Are we at peace with our circumstances? Do we unload and blame God because we failed? Do we let discouragement color our lives in the midst of chaos and turmoil? We didn’t get the job or the promotion! We lost the championship! Our loved one died! My marriage is failing!
These are troubling times for many people, but there is hope for God’s people!! Learn from Paul and how he dealt with both success and failure. Paul was content because he was forgiven, he was in the center of God’s will, and he was “All In” for Jesus Christ. He knew worldly circumstances would change, but his relationship with his Savior was eternal.
Ask any person how much money is enough and many times the answer is “just a little more”.
Contentment is not dependent upon our circumstances, our wealth, our poverty or our health. Being “content in whatever state I am” is dependent upon our relationship with our Savior. It is a choice. We are as content as we choose to be.
Editor: Brinda Blair
