“…for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 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.” Philippians 4:11-12 (NIV)
In January 2006, I found out that I was being laid off of my job. Instead of immediately laying off employees and offering a severance package, the company decided to give the effected employees a date on when they would be terminated. I began looking for a job with no success. It was a struggle because I was commuting almost 50 miles one way and I was pregnant with my first child. Also, retail hours can be very crazy, so there was always a time issue. In my distress, the Lord spoke to me and said, “Don’t look for a job. Now is not the time.” I tried to block it out; I didn’t even tell my husband until later. I thought to myself, “This can’t be the Lord. This is not making any sense. We use my income-it is not extra and I’m PREGNANT.”
“Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.’ So we can say with confidence, ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid, What can man do to me?’” Hebrews 13:5-6 (NIV)
I tried, for a little while, to still look for a job, but of course, when you are fighting against God’s plan, you won’t win. The date came and I went home. I had a great send off from my co-workers and a month later I had my son. While at home, He truly dealt with me about being content with the plan He had for me. Being content does not mean that you always get what you want, but contentment comes when you have peace that you are in the will of God. Getting to that point is not always easy. There are times of fear and uncertainty. But, we must remember that God is always there to take us through the process. God didn’t promise that there would be no hard days, He promised to be there. There were many days that I cried and questioned my purpose. But God always sent encouragement when I needed it.
Remember, God is always faithful to us. Throughout this time, God has truly worked miracles and given me peace. I still have moments of discontentment, but then I have to remember the things that are important in life. There are so many things that come in our lives that distract us and take our focus off Jesus Christ and who He is. Sometimes we desire things we don’t need or don’t wait on the Lord for the things we do or we covet other peoples’ lives and the things they have. Have peace about where you are now. Where you are now is not the end of the story. Contentment should not be confused with complacency. Complacency is an unwillingness to move or grow, but contentment says I will press on and seek the will of God for my life–in whatever state I’m in. Be encouraged!!
“The fear of the Lord leads to life: then one rests content, untouched by trouble.” Proverbs 19:23 (NIV)
