Satisfaction in all Toil

Philippians 4:12 (NIV)
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.

This past weekend I did a Funbelievable Magic program in Ft. Myers . I spoke on contentment. I asked what this verse meant ? How many times have we complained to a friend about a work situation or life situation only to have them remind you that we have to learn to be “content” where we are?

What does it mean to be content? Check out this definition from www.dictionary.com … satisfied with what one is or has; not wanting more or anything else.

While it’s true that we often struggle with being satisfied where we are in life there are times when our yearnings for something different are not selfish or sinful.

Consider this: What will your feelings or desires be like if you are ignoring God’s call on your life to do something different? What if you actually have so little work to do at your place of employment, that your issue is becoming one of fulfillment as opposed to contentment? It’s hard to be fulfilled if you aren’t really working. God designed us to find satisfaction in our work. Ecclesiastes 3:13 says “That everyone may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all his toil—this is the gift of God.”

Try to be content wherever you are. But if you are struggling with contentment, evaluate your situation.

Are you living in disobedience to God? Does He have other work you should be doing? Maybe that call to Guatemala is for you?

Finally … you may still be asking “How can I be content where I am?”

Well, you can read Philippians 4:12 above. But don’t forget that verse 13 comes next.

Philippians 4:13 (NIV)
I can do everything through him who gives me strength.

We find contentment simply by remembering who it is that enables us to live this life on a daily basis