Philippians 4:12-13 – “I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in abundance; in any and all things 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 fellowship with me in my affliction.”

When Paul said he had learned to be content, he did not mean that suddenly God dropped a dose of contentment into his heart or that he just decided that he would be content.  He learned it!   As with most things in life, we learn through doing and experiencing.  Paul endured trials, tribulations, persecutions, disappointments, and victories. In all of that, he Learned Contentment!

In trials, Paul learned that God was unfailingly faithful.  In need, He found that God supplied.  In everything, he learned that God was The Living God and did not lie, could not fail, and would not abandon him; therefore, He became Content!

It is like praying for patience. Patience is learned; it is not a spiritual gift that God deposits in you; you Learn it!   How do you learn patience?  By dealing with things that make you impatient.   I prayed for patience and never had so many trials in my life.  I complained, and the Holy Spirit whispered, “Well, you prayed for patience.”    

I pray that the LORD will enable you to take all your life experiences and put them in the bowl, discover the truth of God’s faithfulness, Learn Contentment, and, in your patience, possess your souls as you faithfully wait on Him.  He will not fail nor forsake.  His purpose is to bring you to the place you realize that you are who He says you are – More than a conqueror and victorious! 

Today is your day to shine.  Grab hold of this day and declare God’s promises over it.  He does not lie, cannot fail, and will never forsake you!  THIS IS YOUR DAY!