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“Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am.”   Philippians 4:11 (NAS)

The sunrise brought with it yet another series of trials for me to face.   I can honestly say that I can’t remember a time that was “smooth sailing.”  When I share my story, the typical comments are:  “Wow, I have nothing to complain about” or, “I don’t know how you survived your first marriage” or even, “How in the world did you become a Christian with that kind of childhood?”   The story that lies behind my blue eyes and unruly hair is not what you’d expect.   On the other hand—I’ve heard worse.   Far worse.

There will always be someone who seems to have a life far easier than ours, and also someone who has it far more difficult than our wildest dreams could imagine.   What gives?  What gives is Paul’s testimony to all of us.   Paul had learned to be content in whatever circumstances he was in—and asks us to do the same!  Can you imagine?  Paul could.  He had learned the secret to being content.   He was just as satisfied with cozy comforts as he was with beatings and starvation.  This was his secret:  “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.”    We can also learn to be content with things as they are right at this moment!  Jesus did.  Paul did.  Say it with me:  “I am content with my circumstances, whether they are difficult or easy, and I will praise the Lord and bring glory to His name in my attitude!”

“Dear Lord, please strengthen us to do all things, especially to embrace our trials.  Help us to understand that trials are a part of Your plan for our lives, and they will bring us sweetly closer to You if we allow them to.”

For His Glory,

Ruby Sands
TRBC Mountain Blend