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 4:11–13
The apostle Paul had some amazing revelations during the course of his ministry. The book of Galatians actually tells us that the Holy Spirit was his tutor. Can you imagine that? All of a sudden, you look up and you mysteriously know something that you previously didn’t know.
Despite this reality, there is at least one thing that was not revealed, that had to be learned: contentment. Contentment was not granted to him as part of a divine mystery, it was learned and developed as part of his sanctification process. There were seasons that Paul had plenty and seasons where Paul had little. However, during both of these he was learning a very important lesson: Christ is enough.
If you don’t have enough provision, that’s OK. It’s far more important to know the Provider. When you know the Provider, you can face all things, do all things, get through all things, because you know that the sovereign God of the universe is in control of your life.
I too have begun to learn this secret. It has taken a lot of years, but I am now content with who God has made me and who he has called me to be. The tutorial has not always been enjoyable but the lesson is incredibly valuable. Christ is the source of my strength. He is my life. And even in seasons of lack, that is enough.