Encouragement

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I don't know about you, but this economy crisis really scares me. I find myself worrying more about money than ever. In response to that, I am trying to find ways to cut expenses, and have even started looking for a part-time job.

This economic crisis seems to be affecting everything, and as I look around, even in my own neighborhood, I can see the devastating affects of it. About a month ago, a little car dealership that has been in business for what seems like forever, closed. Down the street, the coffee shop that became a community hub also closed. The owner left a wonderful note in the shop window thanking all her loyal customers for a wonderful 3 years, and it made me sad.

Today, when I started my quiet time with God, I lifted up my fears to Him. I let Him know that I am scared. I let Him know that this year is going to be hard because I don't know what is happening with my salary and my benefits at my job. I told Him about all the sad things that are happening around me and in the world because of the crisis. Not surprisingly, He heard me, like He always hears, and today, the passage I read was right on the money (no pun intended!)

In Philippians 4:11-13, Paul talks about how he has learned to be content in whatever circumstances he finds himself in. When I read that, I thought to myself, what a blessing to feel content no matter what is going on in life!!! I have to learn that too! Of course my next thought was, how?

In verse 12, Paul gives you a clue that in verse 13, he is going to tell you his "secret". Of course I want to know the secret! So I read on. And then, there it was, verse 13: "I can do all things through Him who strengthens me."

Okay, that wasn't the secret I was expecting. I was hoping for something more direct to tell me what to do to feel content! I am not trying to minimize what Paul says, and there is much wisdom in verse 13. I guess I was looking for some sort of magic potion or something, but that's not the way it works, is it?

The bottom line is that whatever our circumstances, we can be assured that God will give us the strength to bear it. In that strength, we can manage the places we find ourselves in. I suppose it is that strength, that self-control, that helps us find resolution and contentment in the situations we find ourselves in. We can choose God's strength and provision even if it's not what we envisioned, and be thankful. Not easy, but if we accept that we are where we are, that God has allowed it, and that He will give us what we need to manage, then we can rest assured that we are right where we need to be.

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