Yesterday

we focused on Chris­tian contentment as something we all must

learn. Paul elaborates by saying that his life—like most people’s

lives—has had its share of ups and downs. He has had times of

plenty, dining on fine food and sleeping in a warm bed. And he has

had times of great want, going to sleep hungry and without having a

bed at all or even a blanket to keep him warm and dry.

“This

has been my school of contentment,” Paul says, in ­effect. One

learns to be content in good times without forgetting that they are a

gift from God, and one learns to be content in bad times without

forgetting that the Lord is still with you.

But

here’s the real secret: our strength is not our own. Paul says he

can do all this through the one who strengthens him.

Note

that this means not only being content when times are tough, but also

being grateful when times are good. Both require a kind of strength,

and this comes from Christ alone. This is the message ­woven

throughout this letter we have been exploring. For Paul, it is always

Jesus, Jesus, Jesus. Without Jesus, we are nothing. With Jesus, we

can do all things.

That

is, very simply, the good news, the gospel. Do you know this Jesus in

whom we can do all things?