Philippians 4:10-13
10 I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed,
you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. 11 I am not saying this
because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the
circumstances. 12 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. 13 I can do all this through him who
gives me strength.
I Can
We’re continuing through Philippians with another message from Paul. I can. These are
two powerful words nestled in the middle of scripture. Here, Paul addresses the lesson
of being content in our lives. He knows what it is to have a lot and what it is to have a
little and yet the secret to to being content is not in what we have but that we can do all
things through Christ who gives us strength.
Like most scriptures though there is a part of this lesson that rests not on God’s
shoulders but on ours. These two words, I can, remind us of our own responsibility in
the matter. I can go to work, I can drive my car, I can be a good parent, I can……you can
fill in your own analogy. Often though what we say to ourselves is “I can’t”. When we
say “I can’t”, we close the door to God’s blessings and favor in our lives. It says we have
no responsibility in the matter and conforms God to some genie who only does the
bidding of someone who rubs the lamp. None of this is true. Paul’s message is that the
circumstances of his life do not determine his outcome or outlook. His belief that he can
do all things because of Jesus is the root of his contentment.
The message is twofold. He can but not without Christ. The two do not operate
independently from one another but are in sync. I can but only through the power of
God. When these are aligned my circumstances are aligned with the will of my Father
who works all things for the good of those who love Him. Others may not but in Christ I
can.
Keep The Faith,
Pastor Tommy
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