Be Content in What You Have

Philippians 4:11–13, kjv

That seems to be a ‘backwards’ statement. Kindergarten, grade school, college, and military teachers would have difficulty swallowing those words. We did not have kindergarten classes before I started first grade, however after graduating from first grade I have experienced the others. My college days were spent in a little college that was founded in Duluth, Minnesota. Basic and only subject that was taught was: learning the American telegraph communications code, which was needed and used on railroads and in Western Union depots. The code was most important, but also we were taught umbrella knowledge of general railroad business, and each depot we were assigned to worked within 99% of those ‘borders’ of the railroads path to functioning daily —and very well. I will pause here reflecting the truth—I entered those classes with NO knowledge of what they were teaching, so in 100% truth I had a lot to learn. How could I be content in what I had? I had some horse driving and tractor driving knowledge. I had some trapping (mink & weasel) catching experience. Some hunting, but no ‘bagging’ experience. I had some guitar playing at church and high school (was on the radio once) before going to communications college. Nothing I had done or learned prepared me for a career (in my opinion). Now, here is the HUGE question: Did I wait on the Lord to direct my path? Honestly, I had been taught much about the Lord—but I was saying to myself: That was long ago, and not of this day.

On second thought, the Bible teaches (Isaiah 40:31): “But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk and not faint.” (No, I guess I did not wait on the Lord—so the Lord had to get me in the next college available: the college of ‘hard knocks.’ (So, really, I have been through two colleges; one lasted several months—the other many years.)

However, I believe that all things work for the good for those who love the Lord. So, in the end, God’s plan works as he intended. Romans 8:28 kjv: “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”

When we walk in faith, we are on the perfect path granted for our lives.

Listen up, citizens of the Globe: No path is always perfect. All have ups and downs (even the WRONG paths—don’t be fooled). Always realize, the only path that ends in Amazing Peace is God’s path.

by Robert D Anderson