“Everyone’s going through a refining fire sooner or later, but you’ll be well-preserved, protected from the eternal flames. Be preservatives yourselves. Preserve the peace.”
Philippians 4:10-14
The Message (MSG)
Content Whatever the Circumstances
10-14 I’m glad in God, far happier than you would ever guess—happy that you’re again showing such strong concern for me. Not that you ever quit praying and thinking about me. You just had no chance to show it. Actually, I don’t have a sense of needing anything personally. I’ve learned by now to be quite content whatever my circumstances. I’m just as happy with little as with much, with much as with little. I’ve found the recipe for being happy whether full or hungry, hands full or hands empty. Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am. I don’t mean that your help didn’t mean a lot to me—it did. It was a beautiful thing that you came alongside me in my troubles.
Ever look into the mirror and wonder how you have gotten to where you are without crashing and burning completely? How can you even look at the face in the reflection and have peace? Why are you not screaming towards heaven when it all looks so dim around you? Where does this peace come from? Well for me it comes from faith and walking in the knowledge that God has already ordered my steps. I often do not have an ounce of understanding about what is going on around me, yet I just know I am safe and whatever happens, God has the plans in His hands!
Just recently I had something happen in my life that should have knocked me off my foundation. I could have found myself angry at God and the people around me. I could have become bitter and thrown a temper-tantrum for sure, yet I had peace. I understand things will be a little tighter in the future concerning some finances, yet I have peace. I do not understand how God can provide so much grace sometimes, yet I know He does.
Similar to Paul in the Bible, over the years I have learned to be content in what has been set before me. I have been poor, I have been broken, I have lived in some unrealistic conditions and I have been treated unfairly in some circumstances, yet I know God provided in those moments of time. It is from that provision that I gained the faith I have now that He will provide all things I have need of. I have full confidence in the Lord to provide even if my wallet looks a bit dusty or I just cannot see how He will provide in the coming days.
Do you understand that God loves you right where you are and He has a plan? He had that plan set before you even before you breathed your first breath on earth. That is how amazing our God is. I challenge you to look in the mirror right now. What do you see? I can tell you what I see in you and I don’t even know most of you on a personal level…..I see a righteous child of God. I see someone whom God loves enough to provide for your every need. I see someone worthy of being loved. Don’t try to understand it, just know it to be truth.
Step Upon the Golden Road with Me! 