“I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me. Yet it was kind of you to share my trouble.” (Philippians 4:10-14)

In the previous verses, Paul had just laid down his challenge, which was to focus on Christ and on the good. Turning things personal, Paul recaps the main point of the letter (participating with Christ means participating in His suffering for the sake of the gospel) by sharing how his hardships are teachers for him in his own personal growth. He knows he can be content and face any situation, because, in Christ, he can do all things.

The 13th verse here is famously misunderstood the world around. So many times this verse hangs in weight rooms, ball parks, motivational signage and anywhere else people want to “succeed”. There is a similar problem with Jeremiah 29:11 – so I know the plans I have for you; plans for a hope and a future… The problem is that God was telling the Israelites that while they were heading into exile in Babylon. Paul is not claiming Christ’s strength to win a prize; he is calling on Christ’s strength to thrive through the enormous challenges of his current situation.

He can face prison, persecution, pain. He can deal with fighting, fear, and fakers. Regardless of the situation he is in, Paul is prepared because the strength of Christ is in him – because Christ is in him through the Holy Spirit. We can face pandemic, panic, and even poverty, because we are citizens of Heaven!

Please share in the comments what you are enjoying most about this quarantine. What brings your heart contentment during this time?