Contentment As Testament

There is hope, especially as we become other-focused.

IV. The fourth circumstance is MARRIED.

I know, you were thinking this was a message about being single.

It still is, because I want to remove a myth that so many believe, especially singles.

It goes like this…

My life, together with someone else, equals happiness.

But let me state this principle for perspective.

Your partner cannot fill all your needs and make you content.

Being married does not make you content.

In fact, if you are single and unhappy, you will be married and twice as unhappy.

In the same way, if you are married and discontent, you’ll be divorced and discontent or remarried and discontent.

And do not think that when you marry someone, you will be able to change him or her into a more manageable human being.

It won’t be successful.

Your lack of contentment will increase, not decrease.

V. The fifth circumstance is SPECIAL SITUATIONS.

When we are confronted by difficult and overwhelming situations, we will find God’s blessing if we search for it.

We all are confronted with the temptation to look at what others have and say we would be happy if our lives were like theirs were.

The situations are of great variety…

For instance, a couple who want children for some reason are unable to have any.

Another person has an unexpected sickness that is chronic.

Another person is born with a disability.

Each of these situations is difficult and overwhelming.

But contentment is not far away.

God’s blessings are not in the realm of impossibility.

Testimony: Darrin Ray

Darrin’s life and testimony is supported by this quote from Charles Spurgeon:

ILL Spurgeon quote

Is God enough for your need, or is His all-sufficiency too narrow for you? Is His heart faint? Is His arm weary? If so, seek another God!

No matter what our situation or station in life, it is not out of reach for God.

APPLICATION:

Friends, the Lord wants us to remain content in our situation.

He wants us to know the joy that He has for us.

For (listen to this), no one is incomplete that is filled with Christ.

This means that…

1. Our deepest intimacy needs are only met in a relationship with Christ (Philippians 4:11-13).

Note again what Paul says…

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 everything through him who gives me strength.

Our calling is to learn to live a fulfilled life no matter what state we are in.

Changing our station in life doesn’t accomplish happiness or fulfillment.

For God not only desires that we remain in our condition, but abound in it.

We are to fulfill every blessing in it.

We are to abound and exult in our condition.

And if He wants to change it, He will.

You know, Paul writes Philippians from a Roman jail awaiting sentencing.

He doesn’t know whether he is going to live or die, and yet, he is genuinely content.