Have you ever seen someone that was resilient despite all that was thrown at them? I love the story of triumph that happens seemingly every day all across the world. Someone might beat cancer with the assistance of great doctors with great treatments. Another person might overcome a financial setback and go on to successfully rebuild their financial well-being. One thing that is necessary for every story of someone who has overcome is the right attitude. This is no different for the New Testament Christian. We each must take setbacks and failures in stride trusting our Lord always to be our rock and salvation. This will take each of us using the Words of the faithful, rather than the words of failure.
Paul’s State Changed, His Faith Remained the Same
“Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therein to be content. I know how to be abased, and I know also how to abound: in everything and in all things have I learned the secret both to be filled and to be hungry, both to abound and to be in want. I can do all things in him that strengtheneth me. (Php 4:11-13).” Paul’s language was not of failure but of victory. He wrote these words while in prison for a crime he did not commit. He appealed to Caesar because the wicked Jews in Jerusalem wanted to kill him, and God used the circumstances to give him an audience in Rome (cf. Acts 23:11).
Paul’s Attitude, Christ’s Strength
What an example we have from our brother. Contentment in varying situations is something we can truly do, and it is one step to overcoming the challenges of life. If we are content in lean times or bad times, we can surely be content in all good times. Paul says this literally in Php 4:13, “ I have strength for all things in Him who strengthens me. The secret to contentment in all things is being in Christ Jesus. This promise is only for those who are in Christ Jesus. The only way we get through economic security and hyperinflation is in Christ Jesus. The only source of strength at all times is being in Christ.
Assurance is Ours. What Will We Do With It?
Our words often show our faith or lack of it. May we look always to the words of the faithful. David said, “I have been young, and now am old; Yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, Nor his seed begging bread (Ps 37:25). Paul reminds us that the Lord is for us and provides a way for us to escape temptation (cf. 1 Cor 10:13). Peter assures us, “the eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous (cf. 1 Pet 3:12).” Over the next week, I want to encourage you to not only recall all that the Lord has done to sustain you to this point, plan on remembering why He does it. He loves His own; He provides all spiritual blessings which are in Christ (cf.Eph 1:3).
Next week’s Gospel Meeting with bro. Kidwell presents a great opportunity to grow in the knowledge of God’s Word. It presents a great opportunity for fellowship together in times at the fellowship meal and our nightly refreshments afterward. It also provides a great opportunity to invite your lost friends and acquaintances to hear the Good News of Christ so that they might share in the strength our Lord offers in all times by obeying the Gospel.
Grace and Peace,
R.D. Beavers
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