Faith

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"I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 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. I can do all this through him who gives me strength." Philippians 4:11-13

Being content no matter the circumstances, the message in this passage in Philippians has made me wonder how I could really be content in all situations. In all situations? This command does not allow believers to subscribe to the Curly of The Three Stooges thesis "I'm a victim of Soy-cum stances."

I think of the folks here in the nursing home, where I camp out everyday at Sandi's room. It's almost like being in a prison for many people, like Sandi, here. Sandi is bedridden, but just to go out into the hallway and be greeted by other patients and staff seems to make her day. Over the last couple years, before she ended up here, she kept getting more and more tired. She didn't think she had a purpose in life and wanted God to take her.

But now she has mellowed out and seems to have accepted her situation. This morning when I came in, as the hospice lady was finishing cleaning Sandi up, she told Sandi "I told you he'd be here."  The woman said that Sandi indicated that she didn't think I was coming.

And I told Sandi, and really mean it because it's true, she is a model patient here. She doesn't constantly complain, cooperates with the aides and nurses, is friendly with them, smiles at them, and thanks them. Earlier tonight, when I went to the main lobby, I ran into Sandi's former roommate again. About a year and 1/2 ago Sandi came here for physical rehab for a week or two after an extended hospital stay. Her roomate told the receptionist that they had a good time together and that they looked forward to me coming. The ex roommate related how I read stories - and I read them well she said - and asked them questions, and then they'd go to sleep.

We cannot always realize what things are going to be like when things happen in the future. God will give you grace if you abide in Him. I never dreamed I would lose my house and be homeless for a time. I felt like I was going through a black hole. Scientists say that you travel so fast - several times the speed of light - that you don't even realize that you are moving. I called out to and submitted to God. He turned the gravity back on and I was brought back to earth.

"I waited patiently for the LORD; he turned to me and heard my cry.

He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.

He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear the LORD and put their trust in him." Psalm 40: 1-3

Although I'm physically and mentally worn out and everyday sometimes seems the same, boring, like Sandi, I've found some peace and purpose in the circumstance I'm in now. God is working in the background we don't see the whole picture. As Neal Young sang "There's more to the picture; than meets the eye. Hey Hey my my..."

"For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known" 1 Corinthians 13:12

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