Contentment, October 24
Inside the Cancer Journey: Daily Reflections for Those Coping with Cancer
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By Karen Wonders
Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me (Philippians 4:11-13 ESV).
What if the only things you woke up with today were the same things you thanked God for yesterday? Would you wake up with very much? So often we go about our days with a spirit of discontentment. We spend our time thinking that if only _____________ was different, then we would be happy. If only I had that new gadget. If only my kids would clean their room. If only I could afford to pay that bill. If only my cancer was gone. If only.
When we are discontent, we are really living a life marked by unbelief. We are failing to trust that God is good, that He is sovereign, and that He will provide. Rather, we are creating a false reality for ourselves. In essence, we are dethroning God and telling Him we could do it better!
It is easy to fall into this trap. In this world, we are constantly bombarded with advertisements about things we absolutely “need” to live a better life. Cars. Home improvements. Mascara. These messages play off of the natural discontentment we all feel. That feeling deep inside that tells us our lives are not completely complete. That there is a missing piece to the puzzle.
Let me assure you that the missing puzzle piece is not a new car. It surely isn’t new mascara. It’s Jesus! The only thing that can complete the puzzle and give you an attitude of gratitude is fixing your eyes on Jesus! The secret to contentment is trusting in Christ and enjoying His presence—no matter what situation He places you in. Trust that He is good, no matter what your circumstance. It is a dependent confidence—the ability to say, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Whether you abound or have nothing, it is only possible to be content through Christ!
Pray: Father God, today I praise You for who You are. You are holy. You are good. You will protect me and provide for all my needs. Help me to be content today. Remove the spirit of unbelief from my heart, and lead me by the power of your Holy Spirit. Help me to walk this path in victory, knowing that You will never leave or forsake me. You are all-knowing, all powerful, and in control of my destiny! In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
Your Turn: Have you traded mascara for contentment in Christ? How will you walk in victory today?
Karen Y. Wonders, PhD, FACSM, Cancer Caregiver
Karen is the Founder and CEO of Maple Tree Cancer Alliance, and Professor/Program Director of Exercise Physiology at Wright State University. Her passion is to advocate for exercise as part of the national standard of care for cancer. Her non-profit organization provides free exercise training to thousands of cancer survivors every month (www.mapletreecanceralliance.org). Dr. Wonders and her husband have 7 children—aged 16 and younger. If you think her hands are full, you should see her heart!
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