Hello to my precious family!
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.
BEING CONTENT doesn’t mean we don’t want to change; it doesn’t mean we give up on the bigger vision for our lives and ministry, or that we just settle where we are – It means we’re trusting God’s Word and His promises. We need to know He’s 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 won’t 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. Remember, it’s through faith AND patience that we inherit the promises (Hebrews 6:12).
I want to encourage you in this: You don’t grow in the good times when everything is going your way; you grow when there’s pressure. For example, you may feel like being angry, but instead you choose to be joyful. Or you could easily complain, but instead you say, “Lord, thank You for another great day.” Even though all your desires have not yet come to pass, you choose to rejoice anyways. Paul tells us in 1 Thessalonians 5:16, 18 to rejoice ALWAYS, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
Remember 1 Corinthians 10:13 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.
Let’s make sure we pass the test!
Let’s bloom right where we’re planted!
Let’s learn to BE CONTENT with every season. CONTENT when God blesses us with a lot, and CONTENT when we have a little. CONTENT when our desires are coming to pass, and CONTENT while we’re waiting.
1 Timothy 6:6 says,
- Godliness with CONTENTMENT is great gain.
Life becomes very freeing when you can say “I’m CONTENT with who God has made me to be.” There’s nothing wrong with improvements, being your best before the Lord, but don’t ALWAYS be wishing you were something different. BE CONTENT with who God made you to be! Let’s do our part and LEARN TO BE CONTENT!
“Father, thank You for the grace to enjoy every blessing You give us. We choose to LIVE CONTENT through every season, blooming where we’re planted, not always wishing for something else. I pray that You teach us how to enjoy our lives more and cause us to become stronger and stronger, living lives CONTENTED and joy-filled, in Jesus’ Name Amen.”
Walking in His contentment,
Lisa Gordon
Jesus City Church
Glastonbury, CT