“Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:11-13
Paul, understood difficulty. While writing this letter to the church in Philippi about JOY he was in prison in Rome. He, for the testimony and gospel of Jesus went through many circumstantial hardships, but through them all, he maintained his love for Jesus and his calling and purpose in the Gospel. The question you should be asking yourself is, HOW?
How does one stay joyful even in the midst of difficulty? When the doctor gives bad news? When the job doesn’t go the way you anticipated? When the relationship isn’t quite right?
Paul here, gives us the true secret. The one that Satan and the culture will work tirelessly to keep you away from. There is verse 13,
“I CAN DO ALL THINGS THROUGH CHRIST WHO STRENGTHENS ME.” I am sure you have heard that before but what is Paul saying… His life is fueled by a real daily continual RELATIONSHIP WITH JESUS. When can you not go straight to Jesus with whatever you are going through? When can you not go straight to Jesus and thank Him and praise Him for what He’s done and for who He is? Paul, whether surrounded by the brethren in church or alone in a Roman prison… WENT STRAIGHT TO JESUS.
What about you? Are you talking to Jesus today? Remember, we talk to God through PRAYER and He talks to us through His Word.
Charles Spurgeon in his first words from the pulpit at the Metropolitan Tabernacle in London said, “I would propose that the subject of the ministry of this house, as long as this platform shall stand, and as long as this house shall be frequented by worshippers, shall be the person of Jesus Christ. I am never ashamed to avow myself a Calvinist; I do not hesitate to take the name of Baptist; but if I am asked what is my creed, I reply, “It is Jesus Christ.” My venerated predecessor, Dr. Gill, has left a [theological heritage] admirable and excellent in its way. But the [legacy] to which I would pin and bind myself forever, God helping me,…is Jesus Christ, who is the arm and substance of the gospel, who is in Himself all theology, the incarnation of every precious truth.”
May Jesus Be Our Creed!
By His Spirit,
Pastor Bill