Whatsoever State
Submitted by Frank Williams
March 10, 2025
Php 4:11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.
Life is not easy. There are lots of ups, downs, and speed bumps. For some, the difficulties are greater. But I doubt if any of us has been through what Paul experienced.
Paul had it rough. Yet, he did not spend very much of his time talking about his troubles. There was no “woe is me” attitude. It was just the opposite. We find him continually trying to help others. He recorded his personal testimony—2Co 12:5 Of such an one will I glory: yet of myself I will not glory, but in mine infirmities. He had learned contentment, even in suffering.
In the Gospels, there are very few times when Jesus spoke of His sufferings. He may have been the Man of Sorrows, but He did not go around laying on others the burdens He was carrying. He knew they were His to carry. His love for others led Him to RELIEVE them—not weigh them down further.
There’s an important lesson for you. It is certainly good for you to share your needs and to seek prayer partners. But if the Lord has placed a burden upon you, it is yours. He has a plan and purpose for it. Jesus is the only One you should cast it on.
Ga 6:5 For every man shall bear his own burden.
1Pe 5:7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.
Modern culture teaches us to take the path of least resistance. People want someone else to bear their burden. That’s what they are doing when they constantly talk (share) about their own struggles, their own needs, their own burdens.
Believer, be different! You do not have to be, and should not be, like the world. You can be content during the good times and in the bad times. You can find appreciation and thanksgiving in everything.
Here are some thoughts based on Scripture from 1 Timothy 6
Anything you have is more than you started out with or deserve! Verse 6.
If your needs are met, everything else is an undeserved, unnecessary blessing. Verse 8.
Too much of a good thing can be a snare that can trap you into foolishness. Verses 9-10
The true things that mark a successful person are righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, and meekness—Not things! Verses 11-12
Consider – If the grass looks greener on the other side of the fence, you can be sure their water bill is higher.
