Little & Leftovers: Stewarding When You Feel Left OutНамуна

Day 4: Enduring Little

“I've learned by now to be quite content whatever my circumstances. I'm just as happy with little as with much, with much as with little. I've found the recipe for being happy whether full or hungry, hands full or hands empty.” (Philippians 4:11-12 MSG)

Nowadays, if you're looking for a reason to be discontent, you don't have to look far. While many of us have come to understand that contentment is a necessary discipline, we are left wondering: what does living contentedly actually look like? What are practical ways we can experience contentment in our lives?

This can be a difficult task for us given that we thrive on consistency. Contentment is a discipline because it means there’s change. If nothing changed, we would have no reason to practice contentment. But change is good. There are seasons we will want to last forever, and others we want to get out of right away. Change can be uncomfortable, but it is still good.

“There is a right time for everything, and everything on earth will happen at the right time.” (Ecclesiastes 3:1)

There are various seasons throughout our lives, and they don’t discredit each other as they change. Contentment is not limited to certain circumstances. Contentment is a matter of posture, not circumstances. It’s rooted in the state of your heart, not in the conditions of life.

Right after Paul’s discourse on contentment in verses 11 and 12 is the famous verse, Philippians 4:13. But at the time of writing this, it wasn't the t-shirt-ready quote it has become for us today.

“I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me.”

Paul wasn’t making a blanket statement about achievement or success. He was disclosing the secret to contentment.

“Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am.” (Philippians 4:13 MSG)

He was acknowledging that he had only been able to survive the paradoxes of life because of Christ’s strengthening power within him. By saying, "I can do all things," he was saying, "I can endure all things."

The Holy Spirit dwells within us not only to enable us to do but to help us endure. And over the years, I’ve learned that often, doing is enduring.

In those hard seasons where it feels like we’re doing little or barely surviving, it’s important to remember that endurance is also part of God’s work in us.

The Holy Spirit doesn’t just remind us of God’s promises (John 14:26) or reassure us of our identity as children of God (Romans 8:16). He also helps us endure when we feel like we can’t go on.

He reminds us of the truth, not only because Satan stands to accuse us but also because we have the potential to convince ourselves that maybe...

just maybe...

God isn’t who He says He is.

There have been moments in my life when I questioned God’s intentions, especially in difficult seasons. In those times, the Holy Spirit has been my reminder, my comfort, and my helper. We need the Holy Spirit not just for success but for the strength to endure seasons of little. And in these times when we feel we have nothing, we will be amazed as our eyes are opened to the reality that we are still sustained.

Stewardship isn’t limited to finances or resources. It extends to how we steward seasons. How do we handle seasons of lack, of little? How often do we embrace them with a heart or posture of contentment?

My prayer for you is that, in this season, you will lean on the Holy Spirit in ways you haven’t considered before—not just as a servant to your Lord, but as a child to your Father. The Holy Spirit is our helper in many ways, but have you considered how He helps you endure?

You may not feel like you’re enduring, but if you’re reading this, you are.

And this isn’t a pat on your back, but a nod to God, the source, the strength behind it all. We cannot make it through this life in our own strength. Our egos may see this as a limitation, but to our spirit, it’s an invitation. An invitation to lean on the only one who can help us endure.

"I have learned to be satisfied with what I have and with whatever happens. I know how to live when I am poor and when I have plenty. I have learned the secret of how to live through any kind of situation—when I have enough to eat or when I am hungry, when I have everything I need or when I have nothing. Christ is the one who gives me the strength I need to do whatever I must do.” (Philippians 4:11-13 ERV)

Reflection:

1. Consider the last season you were in where you felt discontent. What would you tell yourself now, knowing what you know today? What would you have appreciated more? What would you have done less of? How would you approach God differently in that season, knowing that He is your provider even in the little things?
2. How are you learning contentment now?

Blessing:

May you learn contentment in this season.

In areas where you have every reason not to be.

May the Holy Spirit help you endure,

and grant you strength when yours proves insufficient.

May His peace surpass your understanding,

and may His grace be enough.