I Can Do All Things...

Very famous verse: Philippians 4:13... 


Not so famous context: 
"I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength" (Philippians 4:12-13).


Riiight! So, even tho' I've used this verse many times as an encouragement to get over situations. I think it can work like that too... but, God is giving me more and more revelation of what Paul meant, and what that means in my life. "I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty..." Such is life! Specially the life of a missionary to the Nations. Don't get me wrong I don't think having a "misery mentality" is what Paul is talking about here, and neither am I. 


A few weeks ago I was in Santa Fe, Argentina having lunch with a family from a local church, and they asked a friend and I if we'd ever been "in need" while travelling. I've experienced God's faithful provision for many years, He's taking me to amazing places from Africa to Europe, to South America... so I could never said I was in need! But no, I usually don't stay at hotels, nor do I always eat food that I would prefer, or even have greatest accommodations. ...so my reply was, -people always give us their best- and it's true.


Everywhere I've had the privilege to go, the body of Christ has received us with the best they have. So while that might mean a hut in an indigenous community (been there), it might also be a room all to myself in a home house (done that too). Thus, I prefer The Message's version of Philippians, just because it's more what I've lived:


"I'm just as happy with little as with much, with much as with little. I've found the recipe for being happy whether full or hungry, hands full or hands empty. Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am". :)