“I know both how to be abased and I know how to abound. In everything and in all things I am initiated both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer privation. I have strength for all things in him that gives me power.” Philippians 4:12-13 (DBY)
Wrestling with life can be overwhelming at times, especially as our circumstances change. We experience the demand to be flexible and adapt to changing situations.
The great missionary Apostle shares his insights and attitudes about changes, which he has faced. He sends a subtle message that one’s attitude about changes may be the key to one’s peace. On the one hand, Paul has learned deprivation, humiliation, and lack of necessity to the degree that he knows how to accept and react to such circumstances. On the other hand, Paul has also learned abundance, exhilaration, and overflow of blessings to the degree that he knows how to accept and react to these circumstances as well.
For 21st century believers, it sometimes seems difficult to identify with Paul. To us, it seems contradictory to accept both good and bad, wealth and poverty, blessings and deprivation, then be expected to react with a good attitude to both. Paul doesn’t deny the human struggles with changing circumstances. He simply gives us the key for successful responses to them. “I have strength for all things in him that gives me power.”
Dear Father, thank you for your grace and mercy. Thank you for the strength to adapt in all circumstances. Forgive us for trying to live our lives in the power of our own might. Grant to us the humility to learn your ways. Enable us to adapt a flexible attitude and spirit toward our physical circumstances. Empower us to live as examples for others to follow. In Jesus’ name I pray. AMEN
Let us praise God for his strength and live by his power,
Pastor Smith