Philippians 4:13. It's a fairly common verse. Many people quote it or use it when they feel like they cannot handle everything that is going on in their lives.
The past couple of days, this verse has come to me many times. At Crossover, reading Kisses from Katie, and even on a fellow blogger's page (Farm Faith Family). Last night, as I was getting ready for bed, I opened my bible to the passage that this verse is part of.
It reads:
The past couple of days, this verse has come to me many times. At Crossover, reading Kisses from Katie, and even on a fellow blogger's page (Farm Faith Family). Last night, as I was getting ready for bed, I opened my bible to the passage that this verse is part of.
It reads:
10 I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. 11 Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. 12 I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. 13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
14 Yet it was kind of you to share[c] my trouble. 15 And you Philippians yourselves know that in the beginning of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church entered into partnership with me in giving and receiving, except you only. 16 Even in Thessalonica you sent me help for my needs once and again. 17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit.[d] 18 I have received full payment, and more. I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God. 19 And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. 20 To our God and Father beglory forever and ever. Amen.
Paul here is talking about how the church in Philippi supported him in his ministry. In verse 11, he tells of how he has learned to be content in whatever situation he happens to be in. This makes me question myself. Am I content in whatever situation God has me in at any particular moment in time?
Honestly, I must answer that I am not. I complain about where I am much of the time. I spend so much time wondering about how my life could be that I miss the blessings and chances to learn where I am. When it comes to any relationships in my life, I spend most of my time wishing that God would bring someone into my life instead of using this period of being single to grow closer to God, to grow in Him, and to learn to be more like Him.
This verse has helped me to see that I need to be content with life right where I am. The book that I am reading, Kisses from Katie, is really helping me to see this as well. God is trying to show me to be joyful and satisfied where He has me right here at this point in my life.
I just pray that I am able to change my mindset as He would have me to.
Thanks for reading.
In God, Emily
Oh, Emily, sometimes it is in those moments of struggling and staying close to Him that He is actually shaping us and molding us into that image of Him in which He made us. Content always? No, because we are not perfect. Striving? Yes, striving to always be in Him!
ReplyDeleteAlways Experiencing Him,
Jody