Philippians 4:11 "I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances."
No matter what life threw at him, the apostle Paul was content. He had to learn the secret, but he did learn it. The secret was total trust in the Lord's love and wisdom. This made him quite independent of circumstances.
In times of trouble God's trusting child may say: (1) God brought me here; it is by His will that I am in this trouble; (2) God will give me strength to behave as His child, trusting in His love and wisdom; (3) God will make the trial a blessing, teaching me the lessons I need for my growth; (4) In His good time He can bring me out again; how and when, He knows.
So, child of God, when your turn comes to "face the arrows of outrageous fortune," make up your mind to say, "I am here (1) by God's appointment; (2) in His keeping; (3) under His training; (4) for His time."
To be content under His care, we must believe God's promise to make all things even the most grievous losses and painful trials, work together for the final good of His beloved, believing children. That is His promise to all who are reconciled through Christ.
PRAYER: Lord, I cannot understand how You can make life's bitter experiences work out for good, but I believe You will do so. Amen.
(Taken from "Words of Promise," copyright 1996, Concordia Publishing House (out of print). For information on other devotional materials call 1-800-325-3040.)
Today's Bible Readings: 1 Samuel 23 Psalms 54 Psalms 63 Luke 22:47-71
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