Philippians 04:11, “Not that I speak from want; for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am.” Philippians 04:12, “I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need.” Philippians 04:13, “I can do all things through Him who keeps on pouring the power into me.”
For most of us this is not a time of prosperity but we have been blessed to know what prosperity is and how much grace and love God has shown us. During one of my Bible studies recently my pastor said, “Shall we accept good from God and not trouble as well?” Adversity is when we really see who we are and if we trust God.
Adversity is a great time to reflect on what is inside us, our souls. Who are we when we are alone and no-one is watching? That is the real us that God knows. 1 Samuel 16:07, But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” Are you someone who feels sorry for yourself because life is not going how you expected it to go? Are you someone who pretends like nothing is different and lives in denial? Are you someone who puts on a show for everyone around you but when you go home you sink into a sadness or depression? Are you someone who does the right thing in a right way even though no one is watching? Are you someone who finds grace in even situation - adversity or prosperity? Are you someone who is at peace whether you are alone or with others?
Even though in human terms we are living a new normal, it doesn’t have to be different. What we carry in our souls is who we really are. We can not only do our jobs as unto the Lord but we can encourage each other. We can remind each other of God’s grace and how He promises to always protect His children, those of us who have believed in His Son as our Savior. After salvation we have to fill our souls with God’s word, with those promises. Then we have to claim or live that divine wisdom that he has given us through His word. We have to turn our focus on Him and His promises especially when we get discouraged or frustrated with what’s happening around us. We have to remember Him and His promises when we have prosperity or adversity. We all will get discouraged and react from time to time. When we catch ourselves doing that we need to pick up, confess that reaction to God, claim a promise He has given us and move forward.
Even though we have to respect the guidelines that have been set before us and we may not be able to interact as we have in the past, we are still a family and we are always here for you. When you get frustrated and discouraged don’t hesitate to reach out to us. On the LLL windows we have set up a place to add praises, prayer requests, and promises. Feel free to add or take a verse. Don’t put names or private information. Email those types of requests to us instead. When you are out and about take a second to stop and read some of them, take a verse card or pray for one of the requests listed.
Grace - Praise wall
Help - Prayer wall
Worship - Promises
