Devotion:
Read Philippians 4:11-13.
Paul is in an interesting situation as he writes this. The church at Philippi has sent gifts to him in prison in Rome. He wants to express his appreciation to them for their generosity, and he does so in verse 18. But, more importantly, he wants to teach a powerful lesson to them and to us about strength in Christ. He is balancing his heartfelt gratitude toward one of his favorite congregations with his hard-learned lessons of being content in tough situations in which he does not have enough food and lives in want. He tries really hard to not say, “I really don’t need your gifts,” and he succeeds.
We should not miss the secret that Paul has learned in situations in which he lived without proper food and shelter, in beatings and imprisonments, in shipwrecks and ridicule. And the secret is not just how to endure, but rather the secret is how to be content in all situations! Paul’s secret is the deep realization that he can do all this (these things) through the one who gives him strength. Verse 13 is a memory verse, and I recommend that you memorize it if you have not done so already. We all have our difficult situations, and we can be content in the strength Christ gives us.
Personal Worship Option:
Give thanks today for the strength that Christ gives you. Mentally name a few things you are able to do now or have done in the past only because of that strength. Pray for continued growth so that life is less about just making it through and more about being content, knowing that Christ is with you always.
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