"I have learned the secret of being content in each and every situation I find myself..."

Philippians 4: 12b ( NIV )

For I Have Learned

Paul, in his letter to the Philippians, says that he has “learned” to be content in whatever situation he finds himself. This was written from a jail cell! The Bible is filled with situations that prove the power of Paul's words.

When the wine ran out at the wedding in Cana, Jesus' mother told Jesus and Jesus replied, “Dear woman, why do you involve me? My time has not yet come.” John 2:4. What Mary told the disciples then are possibly the most important words she ever spoke: “Do whatever he tells you.” V. 5. She was content in the situation in which she found herself, don't you think?

When Jesus said, “My time has not yet come,” He knew He was on His way to the cross. Jesus died on the cross because He had "learned" to be content in whatever situation He found Himself. He obeyed God and went to the cross to die because He had committed Himself to God, to “do whatever he tells you!” When His time did come, look at what He says.

In John 12: 27, Jesus predicts His death: “Now my heart is troubled, and what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour'? No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour.” Jesus was content. He then comforted His disciples with these beautiful words so they could find contentment as well: “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, trust also in me . I will come back and take you to be with me, that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place I am going ..I am the way ” John 14: 1;4; 6a.

I am content in the power and truth of the Cross, that old rugged cross on that hill far away. How did I manage to be filled with this contentment and this blessed assurance? When did I become so sure of its truth? I knew the first time I realized the meaning of the words “Jesus loves me, this I know, for the Bible tells me so.." I know that "come what may, cost what it will," nothing can separate me from the love of God. For I have learned! The Bible tells me so. May you find contentment in what the Bible tells you.

Amen.

VIRGINIA WHITTINGTON