February 27, 2008
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Accepting with Contentment…
Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:11-13
“Our reactions to circumstances are a part of our walk of holiness. Holiness is not a series of do’s and don’ts, but conformity to the character of God and obedience to the will of God. Accepting with contentment whatever circumstances God allows for me is very much a part of a holy walk.”
Jerry Bridges in The Pursuit of Holiness
Comments (7)
Good post. Thank you.
Jenn
It is so easy to grumble or complain or feel sorry for ourselves when life doesn’t turn out the way we were hoping it would. Trials and pain are often the better part of our walk, I am learning, for the one who truly wants to live for Him. We are so dependent on Him for every single need ….we dare not challenge His work in our lives as being less than what is His good and perfect will.
I am going to study what it means to “Be Holy.”
Have your read Pam LeFevour’s post.
Love you!
Exactly right – conformity to the character of God.
You are so right!
Probably the hardest thing I’ve found to do….being content in acceptance of situations that I think are not the ones I want to be in. I know accepting people, but I’ve never been one of them. But it helps to remember that I’m still a work in progress….in some ways I feel like I’m taking baby steps in that holy walk, or even walking backward, but I keep moving.
You always give us something important to think about….thanks!
Hi Georgene! Thanks for stopping by! I haven’t read that booklet that you mentioned, so I googled it! It is sooo good, and yes, the poem is part of it! I think I will post the article next!
This post reminded me of something I heard quite a few years ago, I was in hospital and had been very ill, and I just happened to have a TV in my room, and just happened to turn it on, and lo and behold, there was Charles Stanley preaching (I’d never watched him before either!) and he was talking about having an open hand, for everything in our lives, as opposed to having things we were unwilling to surrender, and having closed hands… I knew without a doubt, that I must have an open hand for my very life, “the Lord gives, the Lord takes away, blessed BE the Name of the Lord” and “though He slay me, yet will I trust Him” It definitely was a revelation I have never forgotten! and I truly believe it changed me forever!
sorry for the long comment! Grace and peace be multiplied unto you, in Christ Jesus, our precious Saviour and glorious Lord! Lois
Amen, but I also think that we need to do things with what God gives us, and sometimes that means a stand in faith or speaking against. Sort of like resistance training in the gym.
Heather