Saturday, February 20
In Paul’s letter to the believers in Philippi, he teaches,
“I have learned the secret of being content in every situation, whether well fed or hungry.”
In those times of hunger – financial issues, relationship problems, health challenges, ministry setbacks, natural disaster, disabilities, death, and all that plagues the human race, God is there with us. As believers we know his presence even in those times that we feel very alone and can’t understand how things could have happened as the did.
For some of us, being content and living faithfully in those times of plenty is also a challenge. Author Andre Seu calls this living as though we are “waiting for the other shoe to drop.” We spend so much time and energy focusing on the what if’s, that we don’t enjoy and praise God for the abundance He has given us.
In Beth Moore’s study of the book of Esther, she demonstrated an exercise that helped her face her worries. Take the statement “If ______ , then______.”
You can plug in any disappointment, disability, disease, divorce, or disaster that you fear or worry about. If that happened what would you do next and then after that, and so on... At the end of the scenario you will find that, “If ______, then GOD.”
And so as Paul teaches us, “ I can do everything through God who gives me strength.”
Dear Heavenly Father, during this Lenten season let us not worry about the “what if’s,” and instead focus on your presence in every situation. Thank you for the gift of your Son, crucified for us so that we may live in your presence.
“And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.”
Amen.
Bernadette Ellis