Contentment in Our Faith Walk With the Lord

Scripture:  Philippians 4:10-19 – “But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last your care for me has flourished again; though you surely did care, but you lacked opportunity.  Not that I speak in regard to want, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: 12 I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. 13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. 14 Nevertheless you have done well that you shared in my distress. 15 Now you Philippians know also that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church shared with me concerning giving and receiving but you only. 16 For even in Thessalonica you sent aid once and again for my necessities. 17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account. 18 Indeed I have all and abound. I am full, having received from Epaphroditus the things sent from you, a sweet-smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God. 19 And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”

Paul was rejoicing that the Philippians, when he left Macedonia and Thessalonica, had sent him provisions to meet his needs (Philippians 4:15-16)!  They gave sacrificially.  The Philippians gave to Paul even though they had so little, because they were spiritually invested in the gospel and the ministry that Paul was doing in Rome.  They believed in Paul’s mission, and they heard about the fruit of it.  

Philippians 4:11-13 says “Not that I speak in regard to want, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: 12 I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. 13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”  We have to have the ability, by the power of the Holy Spirit, to “make do” in all kinds of situations or circumstances – whether we are rich or poor, or if everything is going along the way we want.  From Philippians 4:19, Paul isn’t saying that Christians will never go hungry or suffer, or that God will always protect us from danger.  Paul, many other martyrs, and numerous Christians have experienced extreme hardships as a result of serving the Lord Jesus Christ.  As Christians, God will enable us to bear burdens, trials, disappointments, and losses.  We can do all things through Christ who strengthens us (Philippians 4:13).

Prayer:  Dear Heavenly Father:  Thank you for giving me strength to bear up under whatever You allow or cause in my life.  Whew!  Forgive me when I am not content in my faith walk with You.  Whatever I am facing, help me to learn and grow closer to You.  You have promised that what You have started, You will finish in me (Philippians 1:6).  You have promised that You will never leave or forsake me.  You have promised that You will not put on me more than I can bear.  I trust You.  All this I pray in Jesus’ name.  

(by Marsha Williams)