THIS GREAT PASSAGE: “Not that I complain of want; for I have learned, in whatever state I am, to be content, I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound; in any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and want. I can do all things in him who strengthens me” (Phil. 4:11–13).
This is indeed a great passage—an insight into the soul of the world’s greatest Christian, and an insight into the secret of his greatness. He had learned to take what came and make something out of it. If plenty came he could use it! Some people are afraid of plenty. They are wedded to poverty. Sister Lila, the Greek saint who is an expert masseuse, massaged lepers, made them well, and loved everybody, everywhere. I offered her a modest allowance so she could be free to serve everybody. She said in horror: “It is a temptation of the devil. Brother Stanley is offering me security.” She could stand poverty, but couldn’t stand a very modest plenty! I think Paul would have taken it and used it! On the other hand, there are others who can stand plenty, but not poverty. I spoke in a previous reference of the silk manufacturer who lost all—all but his dignity and joy. He had a faith. A manufacturer in Japan lost all and in similar calamity paid his promised pledge to charity and committed suicide. He had no faith. He couldn’t stand poverty.
A French philosopher has said, “No man is strong unless he bears within his character antitheses strongly marked.” Paul was strong because he was humble and self-assertive, passive and militant, world-renouncing and world-realizing, tender and terrible, meek and masterful; he could take poverty and plenty in his stride! Everything was grist to his mill. He made the grain of everyday happenings into the bread of the kingdom. The secret was this: “I can do all things in him who strengthens me.” In Him was the secret. Out of Him, he was weak; in Him, strong for anything.
O Jesus, Lord, in Thee there isn’t anything that comes except for my good. I can, by Thy grace, rescue good out of it. It may be bad in its origin and intention, but it becomes good in its destination—it contributes to me. I thank Thee. Amen.
AFFIRMATION FOR THE DAY: My security is found in adventure with Him.
