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Content in All Circumstances

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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. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

Philippians 4:11-13

If we look at the life of Paul and understand how he can be content in all the circumstances, it will reveal the power we have in Christ through the Holy Spirit. For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. (2 Timothy 1:7)

The Bible tells us that Paul, originally named Saul, was a Pharisee. Circumcised the eighth day, of the nation of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the Law, a Pharisee; as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to the righteousness which is in the Law, found blameless. (Philippians 3:4-5) He was a prominent Pharisee living a comfortable life and well respected by the Jewish people, as were all the Pharisees.

Jesus appeared as a bright light to Paul on the road to Damascus and spoke to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” Paul asked “Who are you, Lord,” and the answer was “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.” Saul was blind for three days and then he gave his life to Christ. God stated that Paul would live a difficult life; I will show him how much he must suffer for my name (Acts 9:16) Paul’s life was difficult, he was whipped five times, beaten with rods three times, stoned and left for dead, ship wrecked, at sea for one and a half days, and he was imprisoned and martyred under Nero’s rule. Paul describes his life in 2 Corinthians 11:22-28.

Paul went from the comfortable life as a Pharisee to a difficult painful life for Christ, yet he states the following. What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ . (Philippians 3:8) Paul is content in all circumstances because of the “surpassing worth of knowing Christ.” How did Christ give Paul this contentment with his painful life he was living, and he is in prison when we wrote these verses?

Paul has shown us the power of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit brings the power of God, enabling us to overcome the world. The Lord gives his power through the Spirit, and he walks with us and goes before us revealing his power in our life. This power from God increases as we read the Word, pray, fellowship, and walk in obedience, because it brings us closer to the Lord. Paul was close to the Lord, because his soul was more connected to the Holy Spirit than it was to the world.

Today walk with the attitude of being filled with God’s power. Show complete faith in the Lord and walk confidently knowing the Lord is with you and all things are possible. Follow the Spirit’s guidance and be content knowing God is in control and has given you the power to overcome the world. For everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. (1 John 5:4)

Prayer: Today Lord, help me to walk knowing you are with me and I have your power to overcome anything Satan can put in my path. Through your power and wisdom I can be successful in every situation I experience today, to be successful in showing Christ’s love, peace, and joy in every situation. Thank you for giving me the Spirit and for walking with me through this day. In Jesus name, Amen