Thankful Enough (It's All Good)

Thankful Enough – (It’s All Good) |  Philippians 4:11-12  |  Deacon George Miller
 
Have you ever stopped to think about the number of times you witnessed someone quote Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”? While we know the Apostle Paul made this statement to the Philippians, I was convicted to find out, “Why Did Paul Say this”? – Thus, the main area of focus for this devotional, to understand why we quote verse #13.

Verse #10: Paul is rejoicing because the Philippians voluntarily sent offerings to provide for Paul’s needs, He didn’t request their assistance, although he was in despair and had needs, he had become content with his position.

Verse #11:  Paul uses the term “learn” in his statement, which tells me that Paul had not always been satisfied in his various conditions, much like us. So being content is a developed state because of having to deal with life challenges. Learning contentment doesn’t happen overnight, but through prayer and petition, we should make our request known to God, (#6).
 
Verse #12: During Paul’s campaign promoting Christianity, he experienced poverty, homelessness, hunger, wealth, being on the run for his life, and imprisonment [This letter to the Philippians was written while he was in prison]. God used these conditions with Paul to learn to be content. (John 15:2B= While every branch that does bear fruit, he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful). As Christians, God will place us in challenging situations to prune us, to bear more fruit.   I love what Paul said regarding his various situations in Philippians 3:8 = “I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord for whose sake I have lost all things.
 
There were times in my life that regardless of my position, there was the need (oops, wrong word), “desire” to have more. I lacked contentment with what I had at the time. All that we have or hope to have, is all in accordance with God’s will for us, but don’t lose sight of what he promised us in Philippians 4:19: “And my God will supply all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus”. (Note: When you take inventory of your life, don’t discount the things you have or had that qualified more as “Desires” (not needs) as God gave them to you anyway!).  – Continuous Blessings to you.

Prayer:
Lord, thank you for your never-ending patience that you show with us. Thank you for allowing us to grow and mature to become understanding and accepting of our place and position in life in accordance with the will you have for us. Thank you for the times you chastised us for not showing gratitude and contentment realizing that you did so because you love us. Please continue to guide our paths as we grow more into a state of contentment, in Jesus’ name, Amen.