“Not that I speak from want; for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance. I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need” (Phil. 4:11-12).
CONTENTMENT
There is a bit of a generation gap between our three older children and our two younger ones. Here’s an example. When they were growing up, our three oldest children would ask at dinnertime, “Is there any butter for the baked potatoes?” Our younger children always took the butter for granted and asked, “Is there is any sour cream?”
The apostle Paul lived in times of prosperity and in times of humble means. When I reflect over our years in ministry, I recall the same: seasons of prosperity and times of humble means. I would not trade the years of God’s supplying our needs day to day for anything! I have seen the faithful hand of God provide for His work and His servants. Past experience has increased my present faith and trust. I have also been blessed by the times when we did not have stressful financial concerns. Some years, God has supplied funds in advance to allow us to concentrate our efforts in other areas.
The apostle Paul says twice he has “learned” contentment in his circumstances. Having contentment in whatever circumstances envelope us is not a natural response. IT IS LEARNED. How are your lessons going on contentment these days? Have you learned them well? Are you at peace with your present provision from God? If not, what must occur that you might say, along with Paul, “I have learned to be content.” Trust the Lord to provide what you need.
Today’s extravagance becomes tomorrow’s necessity.
