Philippians 4:10-14 NASB
10 But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at last you have revived your concern for me; indeed, you were concerned before, but you lacked an opportunity to act. 11 Not that I speak from need, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. 12 I know how to get along with little, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. 13 I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. 14 Nevertheless, you have done well to share with me in my difficulty.
Now, I know that some who have been hearing me preach and teach for years are going to raise an eyebrow at my use of this scripture for today's devotional. I usually am very slow to share this verse or comment on it since it is often one of the most misquoted, twisted, and abused scriptures in the entire Bible. In fact, I would rank it #2 behind, "Judge not..." where they do not even finish the verse, let alone give you the context.
That said, I've been going through a time where Paul's writing here resonates with me so strongly, that I cannot help but draw inspiration and comfort from it.
As some of you will remember, this scripture is NOT about being able to DO "anything" by the name it and claim it of Jesus Christ, but rather it is that we can ENDURE all things because we know that He has called us, and our faithfulness to His calling is what allows us to be content in the circumstances that we find ourselves in.
Which leads me to my current journey.
Recently it seems like everything that can go wrong is doing so:
Trying to round up sister congregations and pastors who share the vision and want to help us get there.
Trying to get a solid group of members who are committed to being a part of what we are doing here.
Trying to get the incorporation so that the government will allow us to operate.
Trying to get a bank account with an incorporation due to the new governmental financial oversight laws and regulatory bodies.
Trying to lock down a location so that we know where we will be meeting.
Even my attempts to meet with my mentor have recently been difficult due to extenuating circumstances that I have no control over. (And to be fair, neither does he. I am full of nothing but compassion for him.)
In truth, it can get overwhelming when I think through it all and all of the needs, and right now, there are no Deacons, Board Members, or a Treasurer to help. It is all on me, and that is a lot to bear for just one person.
Yet, when I look to Paul, and ultimately to Christ (who I am absolutely unworthy to compare myself to in any way), I find that all of my current frustrations are so small in comparison.
I might not get to start on the first Sunday of August like I want.
They were starved, beaten, imprisoned, and ultimately killed.
So even in the middle of the hectic chaos that I am going through, I find myself lucky, because I know that I can endure all things through Christ who gives me strength.
The enemy will not win.
I just have to stay faithful.
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