«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 (Philippians 4: 12, NIV).
I LIKE HOW THE NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION translates the first part of today’s verse. It says, «I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation.» What was the apostle Paul’s «secret»?
Let us first take a look at the context of his statement. Paul was expressing gratitude toward the Philippians because they had once again taken an interest in meeting his physical needs. They had already done so when the apostle had been in Corinth (Philippians 4:15), and then through Epaphroditus, in Rome (v. 18). But even though he was in prison, and probably had many needs, the apostle does not want to take advantage of the situation to abuse of the Philippians’ generosity. So he tells them, «I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation» (Philippians 4:12, NIV).
It is interesting to know that the Greek term Paul uses for the expression «to be satisfied» is the adjective autarkes, which means «self-sufficient, adequate, needing no assistance.
How can an elderly man who is interned in a Roman prison speak of «being satisfied?» The answer seems to be in 2 Corinthians 12:9, where the apostle mentions the time when he prayed three times for God to deliver him from a severe trial («a thorn in the _flesh», 2 Corinthians 12:7). In reply, the Lord told him: «My grace is sufficient for you,» or «My grace is sufficient.» According to W. E. Vine, Paul uses here a term that means «to be sufficient, to be possessed of sufficient strength.»
That was the apostle’s secret! His sufficiency came from God’s grace. In the midst of the most difficult circumstances, the apostle learned the greatest lesson of all: that God’s grace is completely sufficient to strengthen us in any situation; and that no matter how great a trial is, God’s power to help us is infinitely greater, because His power «is made perfect in weakness» (v. 9). No wonder he said, «I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!»
One more thing: in the promise «My power is made perfect in weakness,» the Greek verb tense denotes a continuous action, which means that the divine power the apostle is talking about is not something God grants occasionally No! God’s powerful grace is available to us every time that, in our weakness, we ask God for help in Jesus Christs blessed name. Isn’t that wonderful?
Heavenly Father, may Your grace be sufficient to sustain me, today and every day, until I reach the end of my race.
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Taken from: Devotional Readings for Adults 2022
“GREAT IS OUR GOD!”
From: FERNANDO ZABALA
Collaborators: Xiomara Perdomo & Angelica Cuate
