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 4:12-13 (NIV)
God never desired for us to go forth in our own strength, which is actually no strength at all. Also, every fleshly pursuit sans the power of the Holy Spirit will never make it through the fire that will test the quality of each man’s work. When we are faced with all sorts of trials and problems and unknowns we are to continue to look up not out or within and “be strong and wait on the Lord” through His power and for His ultimate glory. Believers are not to wring their hands in fright and solely depend upon the arm of flesh. We are to look to Him to direct our paths and to give us the power and passion to persevere. Knowing He always has our best interest at heart in all that He allows. Remember, He is able to do “Immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us” as the Apostle Paul writes. He will either change our circumstances or change us in our circumstances. The latter being the far greater miracle in my opinion.
God always gives what is best and beneficial to His heirs of mercy – though oftentimes, perhaps, it may not appear that way. Believe me, we want what He wants – even if it is difficult. Jesus told us to expect troubles, Amen? He was not carried to heaven on a bed of down and neither will we be. Yet, what He allows is always purposeful and beneficial in our growth in Christlikeness which is God’s goal for every believer in Jesus. It does us well to remember that Christ was to be the firstborn among many brothers and He uses all sorts of circumstances to bring this about.
Paul tells us contentment is a learned secret and God uses our experiences to teach us this precious jewel. Is it not wonderful to be in the presence of one who is fully content? There is a richness to their lives that no amount of money can buy as evidenced by the richest of the rich never fully being satisfied apart from Christ. It also behooves us to remember that we must not murmur and complain under what His Hand allows being discontent with the portion God bestows us. Like the Israelites of old who grumbled and complained over God’s provisions for their lives. It did not settle well with God then and it does not settle well with Him now. Rather, He is well pleased when we embrace what He allows with joy knowing He has our best interest at hearts. That is the promise of Scripture.
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. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. Romans 8:28-29