We live in abundance. From our nice and comfortable things to the ability to reach and touch the things we yearn for, our vacations and travel, and a life full of “stuff”. Although many around suffer and lack for the things we take for granted, we thank God for the satisfaction of a life well lived.
Still, we often feel the pain of a personal season of need when it seems like none of these abundant experiences satisfy the moment.
We go through low points, sickness, money problems, family strife, war, political stress. It seems the angst of the world creeps into our wellbeing and we are stressed beyond all measure.
The question is, How do I get through this?
I often turn to Paul’s scripture when he says:
Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: (Philippians 4:11 NKJV)
Can I give you something to take to heart and consider during stressful times? It is not what happens to you, that determines who you are, it is how you respond to it. This has always been the case. It bears repeating, reminding, and hearing it over and again.
It is not what happens to you, that determines who you are, it is how you respond to it. Share on XYou can either roll over and die or stand up against the onslaught.
Your choice!
Paul did not have an easy time in life!
- Throughout his ministry, he reaches thousands with the Gospel of Jesus.
- He did not have a steady income that produced stock, bonds, or 401k’s.
- He lived from moment to moment, often nurtured by those he reached.
- We do not find a fine living establishment, good career (he was a tentmaker), or a huge family to rally around him for his birthday celebration.
- He did not have a retiring life to look forward to.
- He traveled in good times and bad.
- He went through so much suffering for the sake of the Gospel – beaten, prisons, stoned, shipwrecked, in deep perils on every trip, and falsely accused by those he would call brother.
Why? To keep preaching the gospel to everyone as commanded by God:
But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel. For I will show him how many things he must suffer for My name’s sake.” (Acts 9:15-16, NKJV)
Most of us would struggle with this idea. “I ain’t going through this!” But we are not Paul. And he’s not us. So.
How do we relate his future sufferings to the contented state in Philippians?
We stub our toe and limp to the emergency room. We wait until the last moment to address problems and find we are overwhelmed by the task. We fail to keep our commitment to God when He is the only way we have to leave this world successfully. We are not even seemingly thankful for the blessing we do have, much less the ones we have yet to obtain!
God gives Mercy, Grace, Love, Peace – in every storm, through every problem of life.
We are abundantly blessed!
How do you live abundantly in Stressful Times?”
Pray for Spiritual Strength
In every moment of living low, we often cry out for healing and deliverance. But think about it, some trials we face are for our own good. Paul shares a thought that should make us able and capable.
For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height—to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. (Ephesians 3:14-19 NKJV)
Here’s what I think – We often think it’s the physical trial that is most important for us to overcome. Why? It’s what we see and experience that seems to be the most important. Go back to my statement earlier,
“It is not what happens to you,
that determines who you are,
it is how you respond to it.”
We see this better choice in folks who have an inner peace when dealing with that snowball thrown from an unexpected source. They are fighting the battle of their life and whether they win or lose, it’s how they face the challenge that gives them peace!
If they can, why can’t I?
We should be strong enough to face these trials even in our momentary weakness.
…that no one should be shaken by these afflictions; for you yourselves know that we are appointed to this. For, in fact, we told you before when we were with you that we would suffer tribulation, just as it happened, and you know. (1 Thessalonians 3:3-4 NKJV)
In just the previous chapter (2:2) Paul speaks about the trials they faced in Philippi…
Wait! Is this not where he spoke of being content? Let’s think it through…figure it out…research a little…just don’t let your reaction be a knee-jerk to the pressure of the momentary hammer…It Is the same place! The key is that afflictions, trials, persecutions, sickness – none of these things should move us away from our position of Strength!
Let’s Find an Answer!
Sticking with Paul, because he’s the source of my thought…
And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong. (2 Corinthians 12:7-10 NKJV)
His Grace is Sufficient for you in your weakness!
That word “Sufficient” relates to the idea of “raising a barrier, to ward off”. He is sufficient for whatever comes your way. His strength is perfected in YOUR weakness! You are not defeated because of HIS lack of strength! You are defeated when YOU give up!
Are you facing some trials that are seemingly too tough to overcome? Let’s compare two key figures for just a moment.
Jesus faced the cross, Paul faced his battles, early Christians were slaughtered day and night….
Jesus faced just a few hours of torture, Paul faced an adult life of challenges…but all around the globe Christians are suffering every single day.
Yes, it’s temporary.
…whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away. (James 4:14 NKJV)
If for no other reason than that, your stress should be alleviated. Our life is but a vapor. Here today. Gone tomorrow. We are just temporary in the passage of time. It matters not what we go through. It matters most HOW we go through whatever comes our way.
But if you are facing a seemingly overwhelming world…keep this thought in mind. Your Inner Strength is what gets you through any trial you face. It’s not the outward expression of you, it’s that inner peace and strength that gets you through it.
Pray for that Inner Strength.