Though Paul learned to be content with material things (Phil 4:11), he was never content with spiritual achievements because the goal was to be like Christ (something we can never achieve.) Though impossible, it is still a goal we as Christians ought to strain towards. To strain means to make a strenuous or unusually great effort, a severe or excessive demand on strength, resources, or abilities of something or someone. But, to put a demand on anything, you must already have it. Thus, we must build up our strength (endurance), resources, and abilities for the time when God puts a demand on us. 

Think of running a marathon. If you don’t properly train and put your body through strenuous activity, you can pull a muscle or affect your morale. When God puts a demand on us, we don't want to spiritually or naturally hurt ourselves or others. To avoid harm, Train for the Strain. That involves preparing ourselves naturally (physically, emotionally, relationally, financially, etc.) and spiritually. Listen to the Season Finale, so you can identify if you are in training season or straining season. Learn how to train properly, so you don’t harm yourself during the strain. Join the conversation!

(Scripture Reference: Philippians 3:13)