Paul's Secret Revealed

Today another one of my good friends has written some very good words! Here's what she wrote:

11 I don’t say this out of need, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I find myself. 12 I know how to make do with little, and I know how to make do with a lot. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being content—whether well fed or hungry, whether in abundance or in need. 13 I am able to do all things through him who strengthens me. -Philippians 4:11-13 CSB

In this passage, Paul speaks about finding joy in the midst of trials. He mentions that he has discovered “the secret of being content”-well what is that secret? Paul does not reveal his “secret”, but Peter answers our question in his letter of encouragement to suffering believers.

3b Because of his great mercy, he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead 4 and into an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you. 5 You are being guarded by God’s power through faith for a salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 You rejoice in this, even though now for a short time, if necessary, you suffer grief in various trials 7 so that the proven character of your faith—more valuable than gold which, though perishable, is refined by fire—may result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. -1 Peter 1:3b-8 CSB

In order to refine gold to complete purification, goldsmiths would place scraps of gold in a crucible and melt it under extreme heat. The impurities in the gold would rise to the top of the container for the goldsmith to scrape off. When we go into the heat of suffering, we can remember that it is a blessing because it refines us to complete purification. Jesus faced the most severe suffering of all, but He was made holy as a result. “The secret of being content” is setting your mind on the victory of holiness that comes from facing trials with great faith in God. Jesus is our perfect example of how to suffer well and what we should look forward to while in bad circumstances.

Looking back on your trials, how has God used those circumstances to “refine” you? Trials in my life have pushed me out of the spiritual milk zone and into the spiritual food zone. God has placed those in my life to prove His faithfulness and grow the seed that He has planted in me. From those trials, I have grown rapidly because He has promised to restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish me after a short period of suffering.

10 The God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, establish, strengthen, and support you after you have suffered a little while. 1 Peter 5:10 CSB

~Hannah Grace

Once again, thank you for writing this Hannah Grace and you are so amazing! I love how you are always spreading the word of God! Thank you to everyone reading, and please go check out Hannah Grace's Pinterest here: https://www.pinterest.com/hannahgraceburch/boards/

~Ella