Some of my friends and acquaintances are so sick of this snow and freezing temperatures that they are researching destinations for beach vacations while cooped up in the house. When it’s all over, they plan to pack up their bags and head out of town for a few days, and lay on the beach. It’s funny how we are. When it’s so cold, we wish for it to be warm. When we are warm and miserable from 100 degree days in August, we long for the cooler temps. I guess that’s just the way we are.
I can understand and appreciate that mentality. We are creatures who tend to want what we can’t have at the moment. I seem always to crave Chick-fil-A on Sundays.
But then I am reminded of the words of Paul.
Philippians 1:12-14
Now I want you to know, brethren, that my circumstances have turned out for the greater progress of the gospel, so that my imprisonment in the cause of Christ has become well known throughout the whole praetorian guard and to everyone else, and that most of the brethren, trusting in the Lord because of my imprisonment, have far more courage to speak the word of God without fear.
Philippians 1:21-22
For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. But if I am to live on in the flesh, this will mean fruitful labor for me; and I do not know which to choose.
Philippians 2:14-15
Do all things without grumbling or disputing; so that you will prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world,
Philippians 3:7-8
But whatever things were gain to me, those things I have counted as loss for the sake of Christ. More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ,
Philippians 4:11-13
Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.
Let’s remember that Paul’s words are in the context of persecution, imprisonment, and the threat of execution. Not snow, sand, 100 degree days or -2 degree mornings. And when I read this with that in mind, it makes me quickly shut my mouth and stop complaining.
Still, the principle is the same. Let’s be content in whatever circumstances we find ourselves.
Learn to be content in snow or sand.
I love you,
Alex