Good morning content ones!

It’s good to have God’s vision set before you, where you’re always stretching your faith and growing by believing God for impossible things, but here’s the key:  While you’re waiting for things to change, and for God’s promises to come to pass, we shouldn’t be discontent with where we are.  Learn to enjoy the season that you’re in.

Being unhappy, frustrated, and wondering if things are ever going to change, is not going to make it happen any sooner.

See, when we’re DISCONTENT, we’re dishonoring God.  We’re so focused on what we want, we’re taking for granted what we have.

The right attitude is:  “Father, I’m believing for a new house, but in the meantime, I’m happy with the house I have,” OR “I’m believing to get married, but in the meantime, I’m CONTENT being single.”

The Apostle Paul said in Philippians 4:11-12,

• I have LEARNED to be CONTENT, whether I’m abased or abounding, whether I have plenty or whether I’m in need.

Notice, he had to LEARN to be CONTENT.  It doesn’t happen automatically.  It’s a choice we have to make.

And, BEING CONTENT doesn’t mean we don’t want change and we give up on the bigger vision for our lives and ministry, or that we just settle where we are.  No, it means, we’re not fighting everything; we’re not frustrated; we’re trusting in God’s Word and His promises.

We need to know that God is working behind the scenes and at the right time, He’ll get us to where we need to be.

I’ve found that some situations will not change until we change.  As long as we’re frustrated, stressed out, and constantly asking, “Why is it taking so long?”  “Why this and why that?”, we’re not going to grow and come out of that trial strong and having learned patience.

Even though all your desires have not yet come to pass, choose to rejoice in the season that you’re in.  That’s passing the test.  That’s what allows God to go to work.

God’s plan and purpose for our lives is not just to make us comfortable, but to grow us up.  1 Peter 2:2 says,

• Like newborn babes, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it, you may grow up in your salvation.

He wants to grow us up and mature us so He can release more of His favor.

You may not like where you are, but you wouldn’t be there unless God counted you worthy to endure and had a specific purpose for it.

1 Corinthians 10:13 (MSG) says,

• No test or temptation that comes your way is beyond the course of what others have had to face.  All you need to remember is that God will never let you down; He’ll never let you be pushed past your limit; He’ll always be there to help you come through it.

That’s why Paul said, “I’ve learned how to be CONTENT.”  You’ve got to train your mind to see the good and to be grateful for what you have.

Life will go much better if you will be CONTENT in each season:  CONTENT when you have a lot, and CONTENT when you don’t have a lot.  CONTENT when your children are in diapers and CONTENT when they’re all grown up.

I want to encourage you that you have the grace you need for each season you’re in.

So, I exhort you to put your foot down and say, “That’s it!  Everything may not be perfect in my life; all my desires may not have come to pass yet, but I’m not living frustrated and stressed out.  I’m going to bloom right where I’m planted.”

In other words, “I’m CONTENT whether I’m driving a 20 year old van or a brand new Bercedes Benz.”  “I’m CONTENT whether I’m living in a small apartment or a beautiful dream house.”  “I’m CONTENT whether my ministry is blooming or whether it only has a few people.”

You cannot let your CONTENTMENT be based on what you have or don’t have.

Remember, Jesus says in Luke 12:15,

• Watch out!  Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.

I exhort you to learn to BE CONTENT with every season because if you don’t learn to BE CONTENT right where you are, you won’t BE CONTENT when your dreams and desires come to pass.  If you’ll make this choice, that you’re going to live CONTENT through every season, blooming right where you’re planted, not always wishing for something else, then, you’re going to enjoy your life more; become stronger and stronger; and live a life CONTENTED and joy-filled.

Living CONTENT,

Lisa Gordon

Assistant Pastor

Jesus City Church