I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have lerned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through Him who gives me strength. — Philippians 4:12-13
The deeper you get into situations you don’t like, the more you discover that Jesus is already there. Where did I find joy? When I was grieving the death of someone I loved. Where did I find peace? At the center of my anxieties. Where am I finding contentment? As things I want are taken away from me.
I’m going through a situation right now that I never would have chosen for myself. Yet, after complaining and begging God to do it my way, here I am. And now that I’m here, I realize that if Jesus had asked me to come here, I would have done it. Happily. "Wow, You want me to go through this? Okay, I’d be glad to do it."
Richard Wurmbrand who wrote Tortured for Christ speaks of his solitary prison cell walls turning into a million glittering diamonds. He speaks of leaping for joy in prison. How did he get to that point? He found Jesus in the place where he didn’t want to go.
I have no advice for those of you who are going through trouble. What good is my advice? But I know that Jesus really is our Savior. That means He shows up when we need Him. I don’t know how He turns grief into joy, suffering into triumph, poverty into wealth.
I just know that our life is defined not by our circumstances, but by our Savior.
Be encouraged!
Dwight
09-08-06 The secret of contentment
I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have lerned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through Him who gives me strength. Philippians 4:12-13
The deeper you get into situations you don’t like, the more you discover that Jesus is already there. Where did I find joy? When I was grieving the death of someone I loved. Where did I find peace? At the center of my anxieties. Where am I finding contentment? As things I want are taken away from me.
I’m going through a situation right now that I never would have chosen for myself. Yet, after complaining and begging God to do it my way, here I am. And now that I’m here, I realize that if Jesus had asked me to come here, I would have done it. Happily. "Wow, You want me to go through this? Okay, I’d be glad to do it."
Richard Wurmbrand who wrote Tortured for Christ speaks of his solitary prison cell walls turning into a million glittering diamonds. He speaks of leaping for joy in prison. How did he get to that point? He found Jesus in the place where he didn’t want to go.
I have no advice for those of you who are going through trouble. What good is my advice? But I know that Jesus really is our Savior. That means He shows up when we need Him. I don’t know how He turns grief into joy, suffering into triumph, poverty into wealth.
I just know that our life is defined not by our circumstances, but by our Savior.
Be encouraged!
Dwight
Dwight Clough is the author of four Christian books and is an active member of Lake City Church in Madison. This devotional is also available via email and you may review the archives back to 2002. Dwight and his wife Kim provide prayer ministry for inner healing / transformation and coaching in prayer ministry. He is available to speak to your group or church. To contact Dwight or Kim, use their contact form. You may also support their ministry.