Contentment in Adversity

By:  Dale Weckbacher

Philippians 4:12

I know both how to make do with little, and I know how to make do with a lot. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being content—whether well fed or hungry, whether in abundance or in need. 

(CSB)

The Super Bowl this past Sunday may have been the lowest scoring Super Bowl in history and as such, boring for many, but there is an observation that applies as we conclude our study of Philippians, coolness under pressure.  Tom Brady and the New England Patriot offense was not having a stellar performance.  Granted neither was the offense of the Rams which is why both teams had a chance to win.  However, for Tom Brady and the New England Patriots, a loss would have meant losing the Super Bowl two consecutive years, causing many to question whether the dynasty was over.  However, instead of folding or panicking under this pressure, Tom Brady remained cool and managed to put a drive together leading to the games only touchdown, providing victory. 

The Apostle Paul too must have felt pressure as he sits in prison writing to the church in Philippi.  However, instead of expressing anger or frustration at his situation, we see him expressing his contentment.  Jesus told us that adversities in life would come but also reminds us that He overcame the world and is with us to help us overcome adversity (John 16:33).  When in adversity we must,

1)      Not fear (2 Timothy 1:7) – Fear is not from God but something that is part of our fallen nature.  The first thing Adam and Eve did after sinning was trying to hide from God out of fear (Genesis3:9).  This spirit of fear was something planted in humanity because of their disobedience to God and something all humanity since Adam and Eve have inherited.  However, when we are Born Again, we receive the Holy Spirit and faith to rid ourselves of the spirit of fear.  2 Timothy 1:7 is a reminder from the Apostle Paul to his protégé Timothy to allow the Spirit of God in his life to have control, ridding himself of the spirit of fear. 

2)      Not worry (Matthew 6:25-34) – Worry is fear that some calamity will deprive us of what we need in life.  Jesus’ cure for worry and anxiety is to look at how God the Father provides for the birds and flowers in nature and consider how God values us more and wants to provide for us.  God promises to supply all our needs as we generously support the work of spreading the Gospel (Philippians 4:19; Matthew 6:33). 

3)      Trust God (Mark 9:24) – Trust in God goes beyond simply believing in God to surrender to God.  The man that brought his son to Jesus to have Him cast out a demon believed Jesus had the power to cast out the demon or he would not have brought Jesus his son (Mark 9:14-29).  However, the man had doubts about whether Jesus would specifically perform the miracle of casting out the demon for his son.  Finding contentment in adversity involves trusting that God loves us enough to provide for our needs, even if it involves miraculous intervention in our lives. 

Jesus did not promise us a life of ease but instead life in a world full of trouble (John 16:33).  However, in the second half of John 16:33, Jesus reminds us that he has overcome the world through his resurrection from the dead.  The first step to trusting God is to receive His gift of salvation by grace through accepting Jesus as Savior.  If you have not done this, I invite you to pray with me now,

Dear Lord Jesus, I know I have sinned (Romans 3:23) and know that the penalty for my sin is death (Romans 6:23).  I ask you to forgive me of my sin and cleanse me as you promise in your Word (1 John 1:9).  I believe you died, was buried, and resurrected from the dead and now declare you Lord of my life.

Instead of reacting with fear and worry when adversity comes, I pray we will begin to react with trust in God who loves us and wants to provide for our needs.