Contentment in Annapolis! only through Jesus, of course.

11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength. Phillipians 4:11-13

Wow! These are our 'memory verses' for church this week (brings you back to Sunday School, eh?), and I felt led to blog on them. Such strong scripture!
In Paul's accounts, he discusses being content in any situation. Today at Centerpoint, Paster Donnie detailed the biblical meaning of contentment. It's not being comfortable, it's not aquiring 'x' number of things until you are content, it's not getting raises until you reach an income with which you feel content. When Paul said he was content, he meant that with Jesus, he could be content in ANY situation, BECAUSE of Jesus. Paul was sitting in a cold, desolate jail cell, but through Jesus, he was fully content. Anything he asked for was just to make him more comfortable, but he noted with his request, 'it's okay either way, because I am content'.

Crazy thoughts! This really hit home for hubs and I today as we struggle daily with why God is keeping us in Annapolis (transfers/changes denied, so He must have a plan, right?). This morning I was so stuck on why we are here and on finding out what that is, but two things have since shifted my focus. First, I heard a quote on the radio this morning as I drove to base to pick Travis up for church:

'In our human-ness, it is hard to remember that God sees the bigger picture'

This stopped me in my tracks. Of course I don't need to worry about why we are here, I don't need to keep asking God for a billboard with directions, because HE sees the bigger picture, HE has a plan, and because of this I don't need to concern myself with it! Such a good feeling. Second, Pastor Donnie's message today:

-what Travis and I are supposed to be focusing on, then, is being content.

We are to learn to be content wherever God might send us, in whatever situation. Such a simple request of Him, yet so hard for us to understand and then fulfill!

So this is what we will be up to, friends. We will strive to be content here in Annapolis; not comfortable here, not content with our home and our things and jobs here. Those are all important, but those are BLESSINGS from Him. Before all of that, we must be content here, as Jesus is with us, has a plan, and has our VERY best interests in mind. Have faith, and be blessed my friends!