I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. –Phil. 4:12-13
The apostle Paul was not preoccupied with his living circumstances. According to him, his goal in life was to tell the story of the gospel. He says in 1 Corinthians, "I do all things for the sake of the gospel" (9:23). Further, after Paul was blinded during his dramatic conversion, he was in Damascus for three days without sight. God sent Ananias to Paul with an unexpected message, "Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road by which you were coming, has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit" (v.17). Regain his sight? Check. Be filled with the Holy Spirit? Huh?
That message to be filled with the Holy Spirit laid the groundwork for all of Paul's future work. He mentions it in all of his letters, without exception. In fact, even while Paul was in prison, he wrote to the Philippians, "Yes, and I will rejoice, for I know that this will turn out for my deliverance through...the provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ..." (1:18-19).
It is no surprise this message stuck with him his whole life—whenever he was yelled at, stoned half-to-death, arrested, imprisoned, beaten, shipwrecked, whenever he felt confused, opposed, frustrated, perplexed, weak, hungry, needy, unsure, or even content, full-bellied, hopeful, or happy—in any and every circumstance he had learned the secret of having abundance and suffering need, "I can do all things through Him who strengthens me" (4:13). But, how does one actually receive that strength? In Paul's words, it is through "the provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ" (1:19).
So, regardless of our life circumstance, the secret to living is continually receiving strength from Jesus Christ through the Holy Spirit. Let us do all things through Him who strengthens us!
