kI now 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.  I can do all this through him who gives me strength. Philippians 4:12-13

My prayer is for that individual who goes home at night to share a space with his or her abuser. For whatever reason getting out isn’t an option just yet. I know that person is facing pain in a situation that once brought them love, encouragement, and support. Then one day the relationship took a horrible turn. A turn to a path that has become the exact opposite.

How can someone be content in such a situation?  Paul tells us that being content is learned; it is a skilled he gained. We become content over time.

For me being content was hard to find on both ends of the spectrum.  At times I was upset because of the hurt.  Then during the rare good times, I did not enjoy it because I knew it was a temporary.  Short bursts of hope to be followed by pain.  Pain from a situation I had to endure.

Drawing near to God has changed my perspective.  It is His strength that I tapped in to get through the hard times.  Paul learned not only to be content in one situation but every situation.  That tells me that God will not only see you through this, but He will be there for us throughout our life’s journey.

So today I encourage you to enjoy each moment because God is by your side.  In addition to God being with you, He is sustaining you through the situation.  If He were not sustaining, you then you would have already met your demise.  God is also equipping us with new skills.  Something that could have potentially destroyed us no longer has that same effect.