“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.”
-Philippians 4:10-13
A stimulus for faith is an assurance that builds your trust in the Lord through any situation that you find yourself in. Finding consistency in trusting in the Lord is a sign of spiritual maturity. In other words, every moment in life for a believer is an opportunity to seek the presence of God for guidance in living out that time for the will and purposes of God. Here in this passage, we see the Apostle Paul proclaimed in the moments of trial and tribulation that he is content and confident because of what he has in Christ. Salvation has such an effect that nothing else is important. Specifically, when times in life being an extra measure of humility through challenges that break us down, faith and trust are able to find assurance in Christ. We must intentional direct our hearts towards Him through thoughts that are directed by drawing near in personal worship. Lowliness is able to drive us closer to God or is an opportunity for discouragement as a result of our flesh and temptation from the evil one. This reminder is great because God is faithful to reveal himself so we must be faithful in turning to Him. James mentions this important truth as a remedy for wordiness that is revealed in fights and quarrels amongst the people of God. This is found in James 4:7-10,
“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Be wretched and mourn and weep. Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.”
When the moment of temptation comes, the believer must react with intentions of pursuing the faithfulness of God. Single-minded devotion that leads you to trust in the one that has provided eternal life through the substitutionary sacrifice on the cross. His great work of the cross leads to the continuation of His great works in the lives of those who trust in Him. He will exalt those that dwell in humility and lowliness. He is the source of confidence, endurance, and restful contentment in trying times. Let’s trust in the Lord today!
Implications of God’s Work In Times of Lowliness
- Faith and Trust Find Assurance When People Fail You
Turning to God’s faithfulness in times when you have been failed by others leads to having patience in working through these relationships. No created being can fulfill all our expectations. From disappointments to outright personal acts of malice, this world is full of opportunities to be brought low by others. These are times of growth for our faith and trust in the Lord. Let these moments drive you to the presence of God.
2. Faith and Trust Find Assurance When Circumstances Fail You
2. Faith and Trust Find Assurance When Circumstances Fail You
Turning to God’s faithfulness is also important in times when the circumstances of life fail you. Whether the result of past choices or just by chance, the circumstances of life that are challenging can lead to God’s provision of perspective to endure with the present times with the future hope of salvation. A believer is able to see the struggles of the present through the lens of eternity now secured in Christ. This provides wisdom to find calm in the midst of earthly chaos. Circumstances are challenging through moments of changing plans and the changing of culture. Let these moments drive you to the wisdom of God that reveals the bigger picture.
3. Faith and Trust Find Assurance When You Fail
3. Faith and Trust Find Assurance When You Fail
Turning to God’s faithfulness is finally important in times of personal failure. Choices come every day and the tendency to make the wrong choice is often as we continue in our redeemed but fragile nature, as a believer. From mistakes of emotional reaction to intentional moments of rebellion, the need to repent of our sins to draw near to God. Being brought low by the consequences of a personal decision is another opportunity to grow in faith and trust by asking the Lord to strengthen you to move forward in actual change. He is faithful to provide!
It is about being driven to the Lord’s presence!
"You make known to me the path of life;
in your presence there is fullness of joy;
at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”
-Psalm 16:11
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