I know what it’s like not to have what I need.
I also know what it’s like to have more than I need.
I have learned the secret of being content no matter what happens.
I am content whether I am well fed or hungry.
I am content whether I have more than enough or not enough.
I can do all this by the power of Christ. He gives me strength.
Philippians 4:12-13 New International Reader’s Version
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There are many different styles of learning: we might be familiar with Auditory (hearing), Visual (seeing), and Physical (doing). Others are Verbal (through spoken or written words), Logical (through reason), Social (in a group) or Solitary (working alone). People also learn through observation, or through experience.
Take a moment to praise God for such rich diversity.
But above all else, the student must be willing to learn.
Paul was willing. His lessons included:
*39 whip lashes five different times.
*Beaten with sticks three times.
*Stoned once.
*Shipwrecked three times. Adrift in open sea for a whole night and day once.
*Long journeys full of dangers from rivers and robbers.
*Hard work.
*Sleepless nights.
*Hungry, thirsty.
*Gone without food.
*Cold and naked.
(See 2 Corinthians 11:24-27 NIRV)
Any one of those would have finished me. I am enormously grateful that my lessons have been very different. It is the same for each of us, with lessons tailored to our particular place, our particular needs, our particular style.
Take a moment to praise God for such amazing individual care.
So, what did Paul learn?
I can do all this by the power of Christ. He gives me strength.
Philippians 4:13 NIRV
What have I learned? I want to say I have learned the same, but I am still in school, still learning. I take comfort, though, in knowing that,
If anyone pays attention to what they’re taught, they will succeed.
Blessed is the person who trusts in the Lord.
Proverbs 16:20 NIRV
Take a moment to praise God for such great assurance.