Contentment

I know what it is to have little, and I know what it is to have plenty. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being well-fed and of going hungry, of having plenty and of being in need. ¹³I can do all things through him who strengthens me. Philippians 4:12-13

When Paul writes the Philippians he writes from prison awaiting his death sentence.  As he writes the church at Philippi he writes of having found a place of such deep contentment that he can do all things through Christ.  Paul has such deep trust in God that he can endure suffering, pain, and the knowledge that he will be put to death for his faith.  Paul is content in times of abundance and in times of great need.  This is a faith to live for! This is the spiritual maturity that comes through a lifetime of faithfulness and trials.  Paul was continuingly tested in his ministry and endured great hardship.  Each test however led Paul to a greater trust and stronger faith.  The secret is trusting God is with us even when life is difficult.  The secret is knowing that God has already written the end of the story--the story of the full redemption and restoration of all creation, including us!.  The secret is a faith that is bigger than anything we face in this life.  Paul writes to the church and shares his faith because he knows that we too will face trials.  He encourages us all to develop the kind of faith that can find contentment in all conditions and truly believe that through Christ all things are possible.  When we know this in our heart we will have real peace, real contentment that the world cannot offer.

 

For to me, living is Christ and dying is gain. Philippians 1:21