“I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:7-8 NASB 2020)
It was 4:45 in the morning. I sat scrolling Facebook while waiting for my parents to be ready for me to take them to the airport. A stranger had posted in a mom’s group that she needed someone to watch her daughter for three days a couple of weeks down the road when the mom went back to work and before the girl’s daycare spot opened. I wrote, “I’ll private message you.”
I sent a brief message updating her on our family and informing her I’d have to consult with my husband to confirm our availability. Additionally, I inquired about her daughter. Following that, my parents were prepared, and I escorted them to the airport.
I came back exhausted and fell into bed. When I awoke after a quick nap, I had a response from the mom saying she was interested in us watching her child. Still tired and now getting out of bed to go downstairs and care for my loud, tiny four, I started to rethink my willingness to help.
Two weeks later, I heard some tough news from a friend. My heart grieved for her and her family, and I felt called to fast and pray. I went downstairs and started talking to my children and making their breakfast. I absentmindedly poured myself a bowl of cereal and reached for the milk. I stopped. Wasn’t I supposed to be fasting? I not only had to care for my four children that day, but it would also be my first day watching a stranger’s child. “I needed energy,” I told myself. I needed to show up without a handicap.
I poured the milk, quickly ate the cereal, and loaded the dishwasher.
But later, God’s grace allowed the Holy Spirit to confront rather than ignore my doubt and disobedience.
I was plagued with questions. “Is my strength primarily derived from food and secondarily from Christ? Or is food simply a daily reminder of my constant dependence on Him, like our instinctual need for food, water, and sleep?”
In Philippians 4:7-8, the apostle Paul said, “I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me” (NASB 2020).
Paul didn’t once allude to receiving some superhuman strength. Instead, he related his ability to do all things through Christ to his ability to be content when suffering need.
What I thought was an energy problem keeping me from fasting for a dear friend was an ugly discontentment problem. I was unwilling to suffer need, unwilling to be content with what God had for me that day, and unwilling to trust that what God had for me would give me joy if I walked in obedience and fellowship with His Spirit.
Hebrews 11:6 says, “And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him” (NASB 2020).
When I watch the Olympics, I see so many amazing athletes in their moment of glory, competing for and winning a medal. But isn’t the story behind the scenes that of sacrifice, of exchanging the comforts and pleasures of the here and now that are accessible to all, for the future opportunity to compete for a prize only one will win? God has promised us a reward for seeking Him. But our half-hearted efforts will only earn the junior varsity ribbon versus Olympic medals.
“Oh, Abba,” my heart continues to pray. “Please forgive me for being unwilling to show up. Please give me more of your Spirit’s conviction and loving leadership in my life and increase my willingness to obey immediately.”
Prayer: Father, you have called us all to tell Your story in different ways with our lives. Some of us must learn fiscal contentment while others are alone and long to share their life with someone who reciprocates love healthily. When we consider how we feel or what our resources are and are not, we can also be tempted to do nothing with these days and dollars. But You say by faith the men and women of old “conquered kingdoms, performed acts of righteousness, obtained promises, shut the mouths of lions, quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, from weakness were made strong, became mighty in war, put foreign enemies to flight” (Hebrews 11:33-34, NASB 2020). Give us more of your Spirit, please. Show us where we are disobedient and lead us to walk by faith in Your power to perform all things You plan for us to do. Amen.
Your Turn: Is there an area in your life where you refuse to show up? Do you feel the Spirit’s nudge to take a step, but you get caught up in the incomplete picture? Are you willing to pray and ask for more of His Spirit, and are you willing to grow in contentment when suffering need? Ask Him to help you let go of what your circumstances should look like and unveil the joy He has planned for you in fulfilling His plans for your life.
Comentarios