I know both how to have a little and I know how to have a lot.  In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being content-whether well fed or hungry, whether in abundance or in need.  I am able to do all things through Him who strengthens me.    Philippians 4:12-13  HCSB

My six year old niece just started a new school after attending 3 years at her previous school.  She began the school year with a mix of nervousness and excited anticipation.  As I sat enjoying a tea party with her the other evening, she explained to me that she had a lot going on in her life right now.  She told me that she was dealing with a lot of changes.  She left her best friend behind at her old school and even though she had only attended the new school for 1 1/2 days, she is concerned that she won’t be able to make friends there.  We talked about how our lives are constantly changing, but that even changes that seem to be bad, God works out for the good (Romans 8:28).

Many of us don’t do well with changes.  I crave consistency.  The only thing in our lives that we can count on to stay steady and solid is Jesus Christ.  Paul was certainly a man that went through some drastic changes.  He went from persecuting the church to being blinded on the road to Damascus where he was called into ministry (Acts 9) and even his name was changed from Saul to Paul.  The disciples originally rejected him fearing that this was all a ploy to get into their inner circle and kill them to stop the spread of the gospel. He had to persevere to prove himself.

In almost every city Paul was persecuted.  Paul suffered a great deal during his ministry.  He was beaten, stoned, and driven from city to city.  He spent much of his ministry in prison.  Never did you hear Paul being downcast.  Paul lived with hope in the Lord.  He did not live according to his circumstances, he lived according to his reward.  He knew what was awaiting him and he wanted to have as many people as possible join him in heaven.  This is how we should live.  Our circumstances will constantly change.  If we live our lives according to our circumstances, we will live on an emotional roller coaster.  Even in prison, Paul was singing hymns and praising God (Acts 16:25-40).  Oh, if only we could have that kind of salvation.  If only we could realize that our time here on planet earth is temporary.  Then we could experience the full joy that is afforded us through Jesus Christ.  Then we could live in a way that shows the world that we are heaven bound.  We could live in a way that shows the world that we will not be shaken, no matter what the devil throws our way.

Paul sought refuge in Jesus Christ, his redeemer.  We can do the same.  When we take refuge in the Lord, He will spread his protection over us (Psalm 5:11).  I encourage you today to seek refuge in the Lord.  Draw your strength from him and toughen up.  It’s time to stop whining and start trusting in Him.

Have a great day!