For it is commendable if a man bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because he is conscious of God. But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. “He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth.”** 1 Peter 2: 19-22**
Our constantly changing circumstances are not to affect our inner joy, peace and contentment as these come from being united with Christ Jesus. Indeed, Jesus demonstrated our perfect example in suffering as Peter writes in 1 Peter 2:23 (NIV): “When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly.”
Our circumstances are constantly in a state of flux. Nothing stays the same. And God is working in and through everything that He allows to conform us into the image of His Son. Nothing is random, chance or happenstance. And our contentment in all that His Hand allows is not something we muster up in our own strength, rather it is a divinely bestowed sufficiency knowing God is working in and through it all to create in us what He desires – the reflection of His Son. It is never Jesus plus something else, it is simply Jesus. And, as writer Robert Morgan wrote in his wonderful book The Red Sea Rules, “God means for you to be where you are.” There is purpose in all He allows. And He is never taken by surprise. That is the promise of Romans 8:28 (NIV): “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” He is always working for our good not harm. Remember, the safest most wonderful place to be is standing firm in God’s will, mature and fully assured – even though perhaps, unutterably difficult.
Through the Holy Spirit’s indwelling power, we can be content in riches or poverty, in health or sickness, in acceptance or rejection of others, or whatever else the circumstances – Christ is our all and He is sufficient to meet our every need. We lean and depend upon Him. We need to stay calm and confident that He is working out all things according to His glorious promises. Contentment is not found in circumstances or things rather in Christ Jesus. Also, it does us well to remember that earth is not our home, rather heaven is and He is preparing us for our heavenly home which, of course, is eternal. As we depend upon Him, He uses these trials to build our faith. If He was faithful then, He will be faithful now.
I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.** Philippians 4:10-13 (NIV)**