By David ReayMonday 16 Sep 2013LifeWords DevotionalsFaithReading Time: 0 minutes
Transcript:
Read Philippians 4:12-13
Nor do I mean that I have been in actual need,for I have learned to be content,whatever the circumstances may be. I know now how to live when things are difficult and I know how to live when things are prosperous. In general and in particular I have learned the secret of facing either poverty or plenty. I am ready for anything through the strength of the one who lives within me. (JBP)
We can spend a lot of time and energy trying to control and manage and change circumstances. We generally do so in order to make our lives more comfortable or more enjoyable. While this is natural,it might not always be the wisest option.
As the old saying goes,prayer doesn’t always result in changing circumstances but it may result in changing us. God may choose not to change our external situations,but change the way we face these situations. Paul testified to this a couple of times. He wanted a thorn in the flesh removed but it remained. As a result,Paul experienced more of the power of God because God left him weak in order to have such an experience.
And in this passage,Paul tells us that he can face all circumstances through the power of God. He wrote this whilst in prison. Doubtless he would have liked to be free and probably prayed along those lines. But in this case,at least for a time,he was captive. So he doesn’t waste his time and energy demanding his situation change. Rather he accepts it as a given reality and focuses instead on the sufficiency of God.
Throughout life we naturally long for a different set of circumstances: more health,more wealth,more pleasure,more harmony. No harm in praying along these lines. But remember that God might decide to leave you where you are in order to change who you are.
Blessings
David Reay