ICS Daily Devotions
In Good Times and Bad Times
Philippians 4:12-13 (NKJV) I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things, I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
We often quote this scripture regarding being able to do ALL THINGS through Christ who strengthens us. It is taken from the context where the Apostle Paul mentioned that he was able to make adjustments to his life regardless whether he was abundantly supplied or during those times when he had lack in his life. He was able to experience God’s grace and strength in all situations. Of course, it is much easier for us when we are abundantly supplied but it is a different story when we have to wait patiently for a breakthrough when we have lack in our lives.
During this current pandemic and world financial crisis, we will experience a lot of frustration due to certain lifestyle changes that need to occur in order to weather the storm. Living in an expatriate community, there can be added stress when the stay-at-home spouse may be discontented with the working spouse with what he/she is able to provide for the family. Additional stress and frustration can occur when someone is made redundant or has to endure a pay cut due to their company’s current situation during the financial crisis. Since many companies have frozen their headcounts, it may take some time to wait for the next job to become available. There may be a need to simplify the lifestyle to reduce the overheads of the family. The adjustments might be in the area of moving to a cheaper place, no longer having household help, and even the possibility of repatriation for the children to attend a local school to reduce the cost to the bare minimum because Shanghai is an expensive city. These situations will need a very understanding spouse who promises to stand by the husband or wife and to honor the marriage vow which is to weather the storm together. If we do not honor the marriage vow and stand by each other in good times and in bad times, then the muttering, complaining and discontentment will cause a rift between the husband and wife. We are not prospering in our soul when we allow such things to divide us.
1 Timothy 6:6-7 (NKJV) Now godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.
If money is not the god of our lives and our identity is firmly rooted in Christ then there will not be any growing discontentment or the need to constantly compare ourselves with our friends, relatives and neighbors. We will be content that our family is prospering, we are walking with the Lord and are healthy in our bodies.
Always remember, no matter what the situation is…. God’s grace is sufficient for us.
Sermon Series: Balancing Godliness and Riches
