That's a great verse, isn't it? While we tend to put this to use in the same context as Jesus' statement about moving mountains with faith the size of a mustard seed (Matthew 17:20), that's really not what Paul is talking about. However, Paul's message is still just as powerful.
In context, Paul is telling the church in Philippi how he has learned to be content in all situations, whether facing times of abundance or need. So even if Paul is not saying he can leap buildings in a single bound, he is saying he has discovered the secret to facing whatever life may throw at him and still be content.
Finding contentment no matter what. That's pretty powerful.
How important is contentment?
Let's think about that. What is the goal in all we do? Is it not to satisfy a want, a need, a longing, an urge, a desire? And what is contentment? Is it not the fulfillment of those very things? In other words, is not contentment what we seek in all we do? Sure it is.
Why do I work? To make money. Why do I seek money? To pay the bills, buy groceries, purchase toys, seek entertainment . . . In other words, to fulfill needs or wants. To be content. Why do I exercise? To be content with my health and appearance. Why do I go to church? To fill a space only God can fill; to be content.
Contentment is a core motivation for all we do.
Then there's Paul.
He tells us he discovered that in all things, no matter what, the secret to contentment is found in the one who gives him the strength to do all things: Christ.
Pretty simple, right?
But wait, there's more to this than may first appear.
Paul didn't say it was easy.
Paul learned to be content in all situations. How did Paul learn? The Jews stoned him. He was shipwrecked (three times). He was beaten, starved, imprisoned, ridiculed, taunted, threatened, and ostracized. Do you think it was easy for Paul to be content in those situations?
Not hardly.
Paul, and through him, God, isn't saying this life will be easy. This verse does not promise everything will go smoothly. What God promises is the strength to endure, and the peace to be content, no matter the challenge. If it was easy, Paul wouldn't need the strength of Christ to get him through.
And neither would we.
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