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Philippians 4:13

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. – Phil 4:13

Philippians chapter 4 came to my mind this afternoon…This chapter in incredible!

As I read it I almost felt as if I was Paul or the one being encouraged by Paul. He tells us exactly how to be content in any and every situation. We are to think on all things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, excellent and praiseworthy. He also tells us to come before God with a heart of thanksgiving!

I share all this because I want my friends and family to understand that this life is not easy no matter where we are. We are called to be warriors in this world of sin. Warriors in the Lord’s army. Are you fighting? Are you wounded? Are you drinking from the brook along the way to be refreshed before you keep on fighting?

This past weekend my wonderful husband gave me the opportunity to be a part of a women’s retreat weekend. It was named appropriately “Brook Along the Way”. And oh was it a refreshing brook for me! Prayer, quiet time, beautifully prepared meals, and absolutely God given weather! This was a place I was very easily content and refreshed! Mentally, physically, emotionally…I was completely content and refreshed.

We even had friends that were willing to watch our kids for a few hours on the last afternoon so Fred and I could debrief the weekend.

Then I came back to real life. Back to the kids, back to making every meal, back to the rain, back to the culture that is still so foreign to me. The question that came next was… Can I still be content back in the battle of life? After all Paul tells us Philippians 4 again that he knows how to be content in plenty and in want, when he is hungry and when he is full. Can I have this same contented feeling in every place in my life?

I share these thoughts not put make anyone feel guilty, but to share with you all that this life here in PNG is not easy. But I also know that if I were back in the states right at the moment there would be something that wouldn’t be easy there either. So I have a choice to make….. “To learn the secret of being content in any and every situation…”  or be depressed with every new and hard thing that comes along in life.

And while to me the task of being content in any and every situation often feels impossible God gives me the promise that…. “I can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens me.”  I just have to make the choice to believe that promise!

Much love to you all,

Jodi

5 thoughts on “Philippians 4:13”

  1. karenleman August 30, 2019 — 3:27 pm

    Jodi, That was beautiful! Well wrote and so good for all of us!! Much food for thought:) Am I as content as I can be? Am I as thankful as I can be? Please Lord forgive me for not being willing to be as content and as thankful as I know I should be. Except my thanks and keep me in by peace comfort and grace all the days of my life. In Jesus name , amen

    Karen Leman

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  2. Lisa Leman August 30, 2019 — 9:36 pm

    Thanks for sharing Jodi!
    Sending our love and prayers! 😘
    Our love!
    Uncle Clark and Aunt Lisa 💕

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  3. Kathy Sauder September 1, 2019 — 12:13 am

    Thanks for sharing, Jodi! Loved your thoughts! Glad you could have a refreshing time. And thanks for reminding us of some keys to contentment wherever we are in life. Hang on to that promise that you can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens you!!! Love you!

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  4. Annie Leman September 1, 2019 — 11:57 pm

    Jodi,
    Thanks for sharing your heart. We all need to be reminded that we have ALL we need. I asked my mom who had lost her sight and could no longer walk, but relied heavily on those who cared for her, “how can you be so content with so little?” Her response was ” I have Jesus, I have everything I need”. Regardless what we have or would like to change, we have all we need. Thanks for the reminder.
    Love you,
    Annie

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  5. Mary Herrmann September 2, 2019 — 5:51 am

    Thank you Jodi. I appreciate your thoughts. Thank you for sharing and being open. I’m thankful you could have a time away but that you were also strengthened and encouraged to then be ready to head back into battle. Love you!
    Mary

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