Learning to do what you can with what you have
For I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content (Philippians 4:11).
This was so easy to read, right? So why is it hard for us to do? The apostle Paul instructed to do this to the Christians at Philippi while he was in prison at Rome. The Philippians sent a gift to help support Paul in his time of need, who in turn gave them a thank-you letter. Paul also gave advice or encouraged them to follow the example of Christ.
There is so much you can learn out of Paul's situation. He continued to praise God in spite of being locked up, so to speak. It truly helps to have the support of others in the bad times but for some of us, it doesn't happen.
When this occurs, it's best to feed on the above scripture and let it saturate every fiber of your being. Allow this to be your go-to scripture and I guarantee you will begin to feel much better.
Learning to do what you can with what you have doesn't take a lot of skill. In fact, you will realize that you sometimes do not have a choice in the matter. I love what Joel Osteen says about your dreams: "When your dreams start to frustrate you, you're holding onto them too tight. Don't let go of your dreams but let go of the frustration."
I also think of Oprah's testimony of wanting so badly to be cast in The Color Purple early on in her career. She put all of her energy in pursuing the right contacts. She eventually gave it up to God and when she did that, Steven Spielberg (or Quincy Jones) called her for the part of Sofia.
I am currently in the land of learning to do what I can with what I have. It appears that things are at a stand still but I know that God is up to something great for me. I just have to keep the right attitude and spirit and keep it moving. One way I accomplish this is by making a list of what is going right in my life:
1. I have my health and strength. This time last year, I was in and out of the hospital due to another lupus flare. I had severe anemia which required several blood transfusions. I'm still under a specialist's care but I appreciate being home.
2. My family is alive and well. As quirky as my family could be, I'm thankful for them. We have our ups and downs like any family but we indeed love each other.
3. I have a decent roof over my head. There are so many people who would love to have a place of their own. The experience I had when I lived at the Cabrini-Green housing projects will follow me for a lifetime. Even then, in spite of the crime around me, I still had a roof over my head. As my mom would say, "Ain't nuthin' like yo' own!"
4. I have a steady income. I may not have the income I want but at least it's steady. I had to tighten the belt on several occasions but I'm not at all malnourished.
5. I have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Although this should have been first on my list, I saved the best for last. None of the above things could not have been accomplished without the tender mercies of God. I once heard someone say that hard times should sink you further in God. That is so true because God gives you the strength to press on more.
It is so much better to wait on God although it may hurt. I am so glad that I don't have to sin against God anymore in order to get the things I want. I discovered that sinning against God is a total waste of time, not to mention that it reaps a horrible harvest.
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By: Sabrina Nixon
13 March 2016 - 9:51 a.m.
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