I Can Be Content

I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.

Philippians 4:12-13

In the 1960s there was a television show called Gilligan’s Island. It followed the adventures of seven people who were on the SS Minnow when it was shipwrecked on a deserted island. The show was about their humorous attempts at survival, their conflicts because of the characters’ very different personalities, and their attempts to get back to civilization, most of which were messed up by Gilligan. Despite their difficulties, the castaways made the best of their situation on the island.

Gilligan’s Island was merely a comedy, but the apostle Paul faced real problems as he preached the gospel. He was treated badly by those who didn’t believe in Jesus. He was beaten, whipped, stoned, and imprisoned for preaching the gospel. Like Gilligan, he was even shipwrecked.

Despite all of this, Paul was content. He said he could live in every situation. What was his secret to being at peace no matter what his situation was like? Paul said, “I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:13).

Sometimes this verse is used as a “good-luck charm.” People quote the verse to say they can win a ball game or pass a test with Christ’s help. While God certainly does help Christians when they ask him, this verse goes hand in hand with the previous one about learning to be content in every situation.

This means that when you face hard times, you can face them with Jesus’ help. When you are going through a trial, you can have hope through God’s strength. God is with you no matter what happens in your life.

Philippians 4:13 doesn’t promise that you’ll win every game or pass every test. But it does say that Jesus’ strength allows you to face life’s circumstances with confidence. And that’s a special promise for God’s princesses.

It’s easier to be content when you are remembering to be thankful for the good things in your life rather than dwelling on the hard times. Can you list ten things you are thankful for? Add things to the list as you think of them this week.