Philippians 4:10-13
I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances (v. 11) – Wow! I don’t think many people have uttered that statement. The reason Paul says it is because he knows. He knows “what it is to be in need” and he knows “what it is to have plenty” (v.12). He’s been there, done that. Life has taught him lessons and he was open to those lessons because Jesus literally opened his eyes to the truth.
The life he lived prior to his conversion was full of anger and chaos. After accepting God’s new plan, Paul was still surrounded by anger and chaos, but it wasn’t his anymore. It belonged to those now persecuting him. He recognized his former self in others and was able to make better choices and ultimately find contentment because of it.
It’s tough watching people go through the same trials and tribulations you’ve been through, isn’t it? You want to reach out and tell them how to fix it, right? Unfortunately, most people need to navigate their own storms. You can be there to support them, but you can’t create contentment for them. Believe me if there was a roadmap out there showing me the way to contentment… Hey wait, there is! (Hint: check out verse 13.)
I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
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