[serialposts]Read Philippians 4:10-20 (ESV, NIV, The Message)
“I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content… I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”
As Paul closes his letter to the Philippian believers, he stops to thank them for their monetary gift and to remind them of God’s provision.
He reminds them that no matter how God chooses to provide – sparingly or abundantly – He knows what is best in every circumstance. Because of this Paul says that he has learned to be content in all situations, knowing that his strength comes from Christ.
The secret to contentment is to rely on Christ in every circumstance.
Are you relying on Christ’s strength or are you looking to build a hedge around yourself?
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“You sent me help for my needs once and again. Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit… And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.”
Grateful for the multiple gifts that the Philippians had provided for his missionary journey, Paul thanks them. He reiterates that while the financial gifts were a blessing to him, he is more blessed because they have been blessed by giving.
Paul knows that the gift is not the blessing, but the blessing is in the giving of the gift.
How have you been blessed through giving? Have you allowed God to bless you as you shared your resources {time, money, knowledge, etc.} with others for His glory?
Once I had an experience wherein a series of odd “circumstances” ended with my husband and me being in exactly the right place to help a friend with an urgent and important need.
It was amazing. God is SO good.
Thanks for this.
You know, that hedge we build can be pretty tempting. I tend to “trust” God more readily when I sense that I have a backup plan. Pretty sure that’s not really trusting Him…
Considering what Paul faced, even on his best days, was light years from my worst days, I’m thinking if he could still say Jesus is enough and be content with that, I can find my enough in Him as well, despite the circumstances.
Thanks for a good challenge here.
I think you nailed it here, Ashley. For me, contentment with what I have and where I am has everything to do with my reliance on Christ. Even in the times that I get myself into a bind, I know he’s going to be there to guide me back — often through the situation and not out of it!
It’s pretty easy to give when there’s an obvious need. There have been a few times, though, that we’ve prompted to give something that didn’t make sense, but ended up being exactly what the recipient had been praying for. I’d like to say I don’t still question and try to argue with God when those situations come up, but I think I’m getting better.
I’m humbled when I can let go of what God’s given me to see a need met. God’s provision is a wonderful thing. That he both provides the blessing, then blesses us when we release it to others is simply amazing.