The Secret: Philippians 4:13

Photo by Andrea Piacquadio on Unsplash

Would you like to learn the secret?

How can you stay joyful and purposeful, focused and thriving, when the world is full of distractions, and when your own personal life ebbs and flows? If you take a hit, how do you ward off discouragement? If you succeed, how do you keep it humble and not let it go to your head?

Paul the Apostle was grateful one day. A messenger came to him while he was enduring a lengthy imprisonment in Rome. The messenger was from the Philippian church, and he had a fat little purse full of money along with a loving note from the church. Paul, seizing the moment to do some teaching, wrote back to them gratefully in response:

“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 ESV).

The secret for the ups and downs in life is to rely on the strength of Jesus Christ. It’s not about doing good, or keeping a firm upper lip, or never letting them see you sweat. It’s not about fake-it-til-you-make-it or put-your-best-foot-forward. All of that is done out of human willpower, which has its limits. No, it’s about going to the unlimited power of someone outside of yourself, Jesus Christ, and enjoying the resources found in relationship to him. And with his help, you can do all the things you need to do to glorify God, walk humbly before God, do good, seek justice, be helpful and forgiving, endure trials and illness and setbacks, survive and thrive. It’s about the relationship you have with Jesus!

That’s the secret!