I have learned the secret of living in every situation.
Philippians 4:12 (NLT)
HAPPY DESPITE MY PROBLEMS
In 2010, 33 miners in Chile were trapped underground for 69 days. When rescuers finally reached them, one miner, José Henriquez, said, “There were 34 of us the whole time. Jesus was the 34th.” While facing darkness and despair, he learned that faith could turn fear into peace.
Paul would have understood that. His “school of contentment” included shipwrecks, prison cells, beatings, and betrayals. Yet he learned the secret of joy that survives hardship: focusing on Christ, not conditions. Problems may shake your plans, but they cannot shake your peace when Jesus is at the center.
The word “learned” in this verse implies a lifelong process. Paul did not master contentment overnight. Neither do we. God often teaches it through adversity, not abundance. Like José in that mine, we discover that Jesus shows up most powerfully in the dark.
Your peace is not tied to what is happening around you but to who is living within you. If Jesus is enough in the valley, He will be more than enough on the mountaintop.
Reflection Questions:
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What is one difficult situation where you have seen God teach you contentment?
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How can you refocus your mind on Christ when trouble arises?
Prayer:
Lord, remind me that joy is not the absence of problems but the presence of Your peace. Help me trust that You are with me in every situation. Amen.
Dr. Larry Grays is passionate about helping churches grow and reaching people in fresh, creative ways. He launched a church in a Midtown Atlanta movie theater and later served as an Urban Church Planting Strategist with the North American Mission Board. Today, he speaks, writes, and coaches pastors and leaders. Larry has degrees from UCF, Southeastern Seminary, and Southern Seminary—but more importantly, he loves Jesus, good coffee, and seeing the next generation step into their calling. He and his wife Lori love raising their incredible kids and love doing life and ministry together.
