“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.” Phil 4:11-12 (NIV)
Paul had experienced life in the palace and in the prison. He knew the extremes of life whether spending a night and a day in the open sea (2 Cor 11:25) or being shown unusual kindness by the islanders on Malta (Acts 28:2). The erratic conditions of life where no match for Paul in that he learned the secret of being content. Circumstances did not dictate Paul’s level of joy and peace.
The process God uses to develop us includes the varying conditions we experience on this broken planet. The fallen world we abide in provides us with a fitness center of equipment to build our spiritual muscles and to stretch our faith. God does not waste the resistance we face in this life. In fact, without resistance, there is no growth.
Paul lived with the tension of straining and pressing (Php 3:13-14) in collaboration with the tranquility of contentment. We are to forget what is behind and strain toward what is ahead. We are to press on toward the goal for which Christ took hold of us.
Contentment is best learned in the university of adversity. You learn contentment on the playing field of life. Experiencing real life in the real world of adversity will bring you to the place of learning to be content in any and every situation. If you have to move one inch to find contentment, you will never find it. Are you learning the secret of being content?
Pursuing God,
Stephen Trammell
Executive Pastor
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