March 18, 2021 I HAVE LEARNED THE SECRET
Philippians 4:11-13 “Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.
What Paul professed in this passage is amazing. Paul was not just born with a certain temperament that made him feel the way he did about being in need or having abundance; Paul learned this powerful, life-changing secret. Most would agree it is human nature not to be content when one is in need, and most would have a difficult time going from living in prosperity to living with humble needs; yet Paul was able to be content in any and all circumstances. Many believers find it difficult to experience contentment when circumstances turn for the worst-when their well-paying job is lost-when they face physical illness-when others wrong them or cause them hurt, and when dreams are shattered. What was this secret that Paul learned that allowed him to be content in all circumstances? I certainly cannot in a few words pinpoint this secret, but I think we can gain insight on the source of contentment. It sounds like a no-brainer, but certainly having an abiding, genuine, unfailing trust in our heavenly Father is vital if we are to be content. Paul had learned that the life of Christ was in Him and he was in Christ, and nothing would happen that God did not allow to happen, and that no matter what circumstance he was facing, God was at work furthering His purposes. In Paul’s mind, the circumstances he encountered were not just the ‘luck of the draw’ or the ‘flip of the coin,’ but were divinely allowed by his loving Father for specific purposes. Paul had learned what many of us need to learn-life and contentment does not come from things, but comes from knowing our Father. It is also worth noting that Paul also knew how to live in contentment in times of prosperity. We have all seen the fall-out and the stress that comes with riches, and we know that the abundance of things and prosperity can distract us from the things of the Lord. But again, Paul saw that even in times of prosperity, he could be about proclaiming the gospel. May we learn as Paul did, that he belonged to God, that God was sovereign, that God was using all circumstances to fulfill His plans, and that in Christ, he was sufficient for every circumstance in life, and that Christ was his life.
Galatians 2:20 “I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I that live, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live in faith, the faith which is in the Son of God, who loved me, and gave Himself up for me.”
2 Corinthians 12:8 “And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.”
Blessings,
Buddy
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