I know how to be abased and I know how to abound. Everywhere in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ, Who, strengthens me.
Philippians 4:12&13
Many quote the 13th verse and like another one that is not put into context is one from James that speaks about resisting the devil and him fleeing from us, forgetting the Other part of that is the Submission to GOD part. It is good to quote Scripture, but we should also be aware or the context in which the verse is. For if you are not submitted to GOD then you can resist all you want, but it will be with failure, for without Jesus, we can do nothing, and without the power of the HOLY SPIRIT and the Authority of the Name of Jesus, we could end up like the seven sons of Sceva.
Verse 12 speaks of Learning and being Taught, it also speaks to Situations, not specifically but surely a broader thought can be gleaned from it. Money is a big thing, I suspect it always has been, and it plays a large role in our lives. When we have it we feel secure, and when we are lacking in it there is anxiety, but Paul is telling us that he is learning to cope either way, whether he has some or not. He is telling us that his faith is in Jesus and that faith is manifested and exercised by the power of the Resurrection of Christ, that he spoke about in chapter 3. Later in this chapter he will tell us that he is confident that the LORD Will supply All his needs through Christ Jesus. Paul is confident that the LORD Will give him what he has Need of and what is Good for him, not necessarily what his latest whim is. GOD does not promise us to give us our Wants, but our Needs are very important to HIM. Jesus told us to understand that our needs would be met and so we were Not to be worried about them.
There is another side to this and it is That Contentedness that is prevalent in one who completely Trusts in GOD. They learn to be like Jesus, who is meek and mild, gentle and kind, manifesting the Fruits of the Spirit no matter what the situation. I can tell you this is hard to learn, for our Flesh is not happy when we refuse to retaliate or when we give, or comfort another soul. When someone abuses us we want to get back at them and it does not want to forgive, but this is the way of the LORD, to give freely what we have been given. We received Forgiveness and we are to Forgive others, even, I believe, if they have not asked for it, for our well being is at stake. It is hard to forgive if you don’t have the attitude of forgiveness and a willingness to forgive.
Yes there is much more to these verses than meets the eye, for it is not just about food, or money but in context it speaks of a Journey of Peace and Contentment, one where we are Content in all Circumstance, whether we are being praised or abased, whether we are flush with cash or wondering where our next meal was coming from. When we Truly Trust in Jesus then we know that HE Will supply what we have need of and it eliminates unrest and anxiety. We need to Thank the LORD each day for HIS provision and Rest in HIM for it is All in HIS Hands. Jesus Loves You!!!
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