Paul, historical writer of much of the New Testament, was a man for every situation.
Powerhouse? Absolutely! He was highly educated, a Roman citizen, and enjoyed a position of power in the Jewish community.
And that was all before his conversion on the road to Damascus.
He quickly became a powerhouse of a different sort. He still touted his education. His Roman citizenship was his for life. But his position of power shifted from the Jewish community to being an unstoppable force for the newly emergent Christian faith.
Here are 4 insights we can learn from Paul as found in Philippians 4:12-13:
“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.”
Insight No. 1:
“I know how to be brought low.”
Paul knew what it meant to be in need. To have nothing. To depend on others for his sustenance. He was no stranger to the suffering of the poorest around him.
Insight No. 2:
“I know how to abound.”
The key in this statement is how to abound. Paul is noted for searching for work wherever he went. He didn’t want to be a burden to people around him. Sail-making? Tent construction? Leatherworking? He carried his tools of the trade and could set up shop anywhere.
Insight No. 3:
“I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need.”
Paul doesn’t say he learned to avoid those things. He learned to face them. Some things are part of being human, and our only option is to hit them head on.
Insight No. 4:
“I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”
This is a passage that many modern Christians interpret as empowerment, and it is. However, in this context, it also means that we can bear what must be borne, endure what must be endured, and find success where it is available.
Paul is our powerhouse example. He wasn’t always at the top. Let’s follow Paul’s example. Put Christ first, and we will find the strength to face whatever life throws at us.
Our strength is in God. Only in Christ can we find success in life.
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