WATCHWORD:
10 I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content. I know how to be abased and i know how to abound. 11I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I find myself in. 12 I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of contentment in every situation, whether it be a full stomach or hunger, plenty or want; 13 for I can do everything God asks me to with the help of Christ who gives me the strength and power. Philippians 4:11-13. Living Bible
Meditation:
I Can Do Everything
Many of us have adopted Philippians 4:13 as one of our favorite Bible passages. I wonder if we read it exclusive of verse 12. There is nothing wrong with that as long as we don’t consider “our verse” as giving us the strength and power to do whatever we want to do, rather than what God may direct us toward.
Paul is writing to the church at Philippi toward the end of his ministry and his life. You can see that reflected in previous verses in chapter 4 where he talks about what he has endured for Christ, and then he encourages the Philippians to stand fast in the Lord. He also pleads with two women within the congregation to be of one mind, then tells us to rejoice in the Lord in all that we experience in our life travels. It’s as if he is tying up all the loose ends that he feels exists within the church. It is both a sermon, and a prayer of encouragement that we find peace in our relationship with Jesus.
In this modern era, as we read Paul’s letter we need to be assured that, as we trust Jesus, he will provide us guidance in our daily walk, and give us the strength and the power to complete the tasks that He has place before us. Do we compartmentalize, setting the assurance from the Lord aside, and quite selfishly worry and fret over our circumstances or the circumstances of a loved one? Yes, I think we do. Afterall, we are human.
I prize all of Philippians Chapter 4, all the way through to verse 19, It is he who will supply all your needs from his riches in glory because of what Christ Jesus has done for us. We must remember that God himself is the source of all of our strengths. Never doubt that he is strong enough to lead us through whatever comes our way. When we, or a loved one, are faced with difficulties, health concerns that seem never ending, our challenge is to know in our heart that the battle belongs to the Lord.
Whatever situation we find ourselves in, what trial or temptation, whatever opportunity the Lord places before us to share his love, remember that Jesus is the source of our strength and he will give us the strength and the power to follow, to overcome. It doesn’t matter if what we are facing is trying to overwhelm us, to bring us down, He is up for the battle. So in today’s challenge, face it with strength and courage, but more than that face it with the confidence that our Lord is true to His word.
Closing Prayer:
Heavenly father, help me to rejoice in all things. Help me to rest in your gentleness and to show that to others. Lord, I trust that you are always near and that I do not need to be anxious about anything, whatever the situation. I can come to you Lord with requests for what I need, always following in your will. Thank you for your graciousness, Lord, that gives me the peace of Christ. Help me to dwell on all things that are true, that are noble, that are right, that are pure, that are lovely, and to share things that are excellent and praiseworthy. Help me to dwell on those things and be transformed by your love. It’s in Jesus name, Amen.
