June 28, 2023

“I don’t say this out of need, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I find myself. I know how to make do with little, and I know how to make do with 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 4:11-13

Have you ever found yourself (and your family) at a run-down hotel in a sketchy neighborhood where someone had obviously been doing drugs in the room not long before you arrived…and then, within a couple hours, you’re suddenly in a 4-star hotel in downtown St. Louis that’s within walking distance from some of the city’s greatest attractions? Well, neither had I until recently. It’s a long and interesting story that we don’t have time for right now. But as I was walking through this crazy adventure, I began thinking to myself, our greatest stories are the ones about our most difficult times. We don’t share stories about the time everything went as planned or the time we sat around the house and did nothing. It seems as though we are created for adventure.

So, recognizing this truth begs the question, why are we so afraid of stepping out of the ordinary or experiencing discomfort when it comes to our faith? Philippians 4:13 is one of the most misused verses in the Bible. It is not about God making everything perfect or fulfilling your every request. This passage, in context, is about God taking care of you through the adventure of following him. Sometimes you will be in need, sometimes you will be hated, sometimes you will be uncomfortable, and, more often than not, things will not go as planned. But I encourage you to embrace the adventure. God has not left you and he has not forgotten about you. Quite the opposite, he intimately guides you through these times and provides for you. He has incredible things for you to learn if you would only continue to look to him for guidance and provision throughout the adventure.

Almighty God and loving Father, we praise You for the fact that You never leave us or forsake us. Forgive us when we desire our own will over Yours. Forgive us for choosing our comfort over Your plan. Give us such a deep and intimate relationship with You that we would be at peace in any and every adventure You walk us through.

In Christ’s Service,

Pastor Shane Cannon