“I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”
Philippians 4:13 NIV
Now, here’s another promise that has a condition attached. Taken out of context, it looks like another “blank cheque” from God to be cashed in at any time and in any circumstances but…this is far from the truth.
Jesus made clear, on more than one occasion, that there is a condition attached to freedom, fruit-bearing, answered prayer…and, yes…even the “all things”, good or bad, pleasant or unpleasant, in which He works for our good, and that make up life.
“Jesus said to the people who believed in him, “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
John 8:31-32 NLT
“Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.”
John 15:5 NLT
“But if you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted!”
John 15:7 NLT
…and this one…
“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.”
Philippians 4:11-12 NIV
Paul learned to be contented in all his circumstances, whether he had little or plenty, enough or not enough…without flinching…quietly trusting God…because it was from God’s hand that everything came to him.
The context is all-important to understand what Paul meant…not victory, success, prosperity, applause…or any of the things that are attached to name, frame, or self-effort. Paul’s affirmation goes much deeper than that…right to the trust in God that refuses to celebrate only good fortune and chooses to complain about adversity.
This contentment of which Paul testifies is a deep, God-empowered trust in and satisfaction with every situation he found himself in. He was convinced that his entire life was orchestrated and controlled by God, motivated by His love, and designed for one purpose. Of course, it was that purpose towards which he was striving…the goal of his existence…and the prize he was determined to win…becoming a replica of Jesus in his character and behaviour.
“In the Bible, contentment is an inner peace and satisfaction with God’s provision. It does not depend on having an easy life or lots of money. Instead, it comes from trusting that God is in control and that Christ is enough for every need.” (Google AI)
That’s it, in a nutshell.
Can you see that Paul’s contentment was not dependent on his outward circumstances but it was about his inner attitude and demeanour. His contentment was a settled inward condition of the heart, based on his trust in God and unmoved by adversity.
How could Paul be so happy in his circumstances? How could he be so contented…chained day and night to a Roman soldier in a cold, dirty prison cell? How could he rejoice in such suffering? The answer was not in his effort…not even in his decision…but by the power of Jesus in him.
For Paul, his ability to take the good and bad in his stride came from the roots of his life which grew in the soil of God’s love and drew its life from “Christ in me!”
So, he could testify…
“My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”
Galatians 2:20 NLT
For Paul, this meant…not only his salvation but also his daily dying to himself and…his settled standing in God’s grace. He didn’t dip in and out of contentment depending on his circumstances. Contentment was his home address…where he lived…in sunshine or rain, calm days or stormy weather…
…ands he shared his secret…
“Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.”
Colossians 2:7 NLT
Where do you live?
To be continued