PROACTIVE CONTENTMENT -- Devotional for February 12, from "Good Seeds"

NOTE TO READER: THIS DEVOTIONAL IS A CONTINUATION OF THOUGHT FROM THE FEB 8 ENTRY, AFTER IT WAS EDITED FOR SPACE. ENJOY, IN HIS JOY! -- STEVE

I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. And my God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory, by Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:13,19)

Christ alone is the only explanation – and the only provision – for Paul's contentment, or yours, or mine. The apostle is telling us, "Whatever I'm called on to endure, or to do – or to do without – I can do it through Christ – and only through Christ. And I could never do it on my own, by myself, by my own strength. Oh sure, I experience setbacks and shortfalls right along with everybody else, but since I know Christ, I know that my experiences of weakness are only temporary, and for a good purpose, to teach me both patience and endurance. And in due time God will come through for me to supply whatever He knows I need." Contentment is a bridge to God and to godly living. But it’s a toll bridge, requiring two coins: Coin #1: Assurance of God's supply (“And my God shall supply all your needs”). Coin #2: Confidence in God's power (“I can do all things through Him who strengthens me”). By faith we make our payment, and immediately we find ourselves teaming with God, working in tandem with Him in this "collaborative religion.” Jesus put it this way, "I work, and HE works...but I do always the things that please Him." Paul is saying the same thing, and so should we: "I do what I can do, but I don't depend on that, for I wait upon Him, for His guidance and His empowerment, even as I work. But as I work according to His will and in His strength, I make the amazing discovery that there is no limit to what God and I can do together!" This is a discussion about contentment, and yet precious little has been said either about kicking back, taking it easy, and relaxing, or about sitting still, frozen in place, gritting my teeth, wondering if I can endure my next test or assignment. No, because contentment is not about remaining still, either in dizzy sleep or dismal worry. Rather, it is moving forward, by God's game plan, saying, "Whatever it is, I can do it if it is indeed what God wants me to do, for it is His work. If I fail, that would mean He failed -- and God cannot fail...He's God!" Contentment, by God's definition, is not inactive but proactive, which means initiating action with full assurance that since God is at work in me, my efforts will accomplish what He intended. What Isaiah said about God's WORD, that "it will not return void" (without accomplishing what it was sent out to do), can also be said about God's MAN or WOMAN. We must understand this powerful link between godly confidence and God-pleasing contentment.