July 6, 2010

“Be Content”

Blessings Folk!

Have you learned this lesson of the Lord expressed through Paul?

Phil 4:10-12
10 But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at last you have revived your concern for me; indeed, you were concerned before, but you lacked opportunity.
11 Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am.
12 I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need.
NASU

Are you content?

Do you allow circumstances to dictate your emotions, responses, “feelings”?

Paul was thanking believers in Philippi for their help.
Then he declared that he was not speaking from want.

Paul had learned.

Have we?

Circumstances can be difficult.

We decide how we will respond.

Will we trust in the Lord?
Will we hope in the Lord?
Will we rest in the Lord?

I experienced such recently.

Spoke with a young lady...she is expecting a child...a “cart before the horse” situation. Tears were shed.
Knowledge of disappointment expressed.
Difficult circumstance? Yes.
Yet, we know the Lord gives us a place to begin again - read John 8:1-11.
We know that every conceived human is “fearfully and wonderfully made”… all of us are created by the Most High God.
New life is coming.
In the words of the Lord - “go and sin no more.”
So, we...
Rejoice in the new life.
Trust in the Lord.

Immediately after this encounter, we visited a woman in the hospital….ICU...serious cancer...fighting if for three years...last week they opened her up, then closed.
Gave her three to six months to live.

She is facing death.
She wants to raise her children, but, she is also ready for new life.
If the Lord chooses to heal and allow her to remain in this corporeal existence...new life...we will shout hallelujah.
If the Lord chooses to take her to glory...to new life...we will shout hallelujah.
New life is coming.

So, choose to be content.
New life is coming.

How do we do this? The next verse tells us…

Phil 4:13
13 I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.
NASU

Be content.
Be not in despair.
Go and sin no more.
Live in the strength of the Lord.

Rejoice in the new life of each breath.
Rejoice in the new life yet to come.

Blessings!