I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength. (Philippians 4:11-13)
That last sentence is one of the most well-known verses in the Bible: “I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” Have you heard that verse before? That’s exactly what we want to hear: “I can do everything!” If you want to be a superhero, you can do it! If you want to be an NBA basketball player, you can do it! If you want to be the CEO of your company, you can do it! “I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” Amen! Doesn’t that sound good?
Except you can’t. You can’t do everything. I bet you’ve discovered that in your life. You can’t do everything. Don’t be surprised. We take this verse out of its context. God never promises we can do everything we want to. Here’s what Paul writes: “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”
“I can do all this” isn’t talking about being a superhero or winning championships. It’s talking about something even more difficult: Contentment. Paul found the secret of being content in every situation.
I don’t know about you, but I struggle with contentment. There are tons of things in my life that don’t go according to my plans. There are lots of things I would change if I had my way. Being content is one of the hardest things in life! In fact, it’s a miracle that God has to work in us. The secret of being content in any and every situation is only possible though God who gives us strength. Contentment is found in Jesus. Contentment is found in God’s grace. That’s the secret! “I can do all this”—be content!—”through him who gives me strength.”
Dear Jesus, one of the things that’s impossible for me is contentment. I always want more! Please do the impossible in my life: Teach me the secret of finding contentment in you. Amen.

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