What Are You Learning?

Author: Rev Esther Holmes
August 01, 2020

Think about it! This morning in the Word I once again read Phil.4:10-12 Apostle Paul was in prison at this time and it made me really think about how he dealt with isolation from the brethren and from church services. He says he learned in whatsoever state he was in to be content. Read this and realize he couldn’t preach from a pulpit or do any service for the Lord as he was used to; but he wrote instructions that would help us if we were ever totally isolated. Now during Covid, we still had technology so we could still hear preaching and see what was going on in the world as well as hear others voices on the phone etc. He had none of that so what did he learn? I think these are a few:

1. He learned that conditions change but God doesn’t and he can’t be dependent on conditions
2. He learned he couldn’t depend on the strength you get from gathering together in church
3. He learned that God loves us as a Father and knows what is happening to us and that his relationship with Christ is the most important aspect of his life
4. He learned Gods ways are a great mystery but he knew whatever his God allowed was for his good
5. He learned every situation would reveal Gods goodness and kindness and prepare him for what is ahead
6. He learned that when he is weak God is strong
7. He learned in his circumstances that God was dealing with his soul bringing him into final perfection and whatever condition at present was temporary would pass He learned to be content in a holy way which is great godly gain

We can so easily become dependent on all kinds of things - even good things - but in the school of Christ, He is always teaching the teachable that we must only be dependent on Him. Paul was learning this lesson - was it easy for Paul? I don’t think so. He wasn’t only in prison in a dungeon but was beaten more than once, betrayed, totally alone but always learning about Jesus. May we ask ourselves what have we learned during this time about Christ? Many have learned more about the world and Covid! Have we increased in faith, hope, love, joy and peace? Are we in Holy contentment? My how I long to continue to learn of Jesus; He is beyond my greatest imagination. May we all strive as Paul did and end this race saying; I am ready to depart, I have finished my race and fought a good fight of faith. Pray for one another and learn every lesson you can during this time. Jesus knows what lies ahead for us and He is busy preparing us. Be still and know He is God. He will have the last say so! Amen

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