How to Flourish in the Storm

Last week, we were hit with the first snowstorm of the season. As good Canadians, it would make sense that we’d be prepared, but past experience tells us that we never are. For drivers, the squalls meant traffic jams, slippery side roads, and unplowed parking lots. For the women at my church, it meant a cancelled Bible Study.

As my husband and I took to the driveway with our shovels, I noticed the planter on my front walkway. Cleaning out the summer blooms and replacing them with winter foliage was on my “to do” list for the week. But right there hung the yellow minion bells with all the snow piled on top like meringue on a lemon pie. Still flowering. Still flourishing. Even amid snow drifts.

 In Philippians 4:11-13, we read, Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned, in whatever situation I am, to be content.  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.

At the end of the book of Philippians, Paul shared how God had provided for him through every circumstance. Not only did Paul desire for the believers to know his gratitude for their partnership in his ministry. Even more so, he wanted them to know the secret of his contentment.

In both plenty and lack, God granted Paul the strength to be content. In fact, Paul wrote Philippians (as well as Ephesians, Colossians and Philemon) while under house arrest in Rome. Instead of wallowing in self-pity or succumbing to defeat, Paul took this opportunity to spread the Gospel and encourage the local churches in their faith.

Many things may make our lives easier, practically speaking. A strong body. A hefty bank account. Well-stocked cupboards. A stable job. These all bring security and comfort.

It’s easy to feel useful and be at peace when life is going well. When needs are met. When longings are fulfilled. When prayers are answered. Yet it can be quite a different story when life is not what we hoped. When hardship seems the norm. When disappointment overwhelms. When God seems silent.

What happens when our security and comfort are threatened?

Godly contentment is not a feeling but a choice. It’s a choice to trust in God’s sovereignty and goodness, despite the trials that come. It’s a choice to take hold of the power of the Holy Spirit to provide strength amid our weakness. It’s a choice to believe that God will do all things for our good and His glory, even when we can’t understand.

God’s desire is that our hearts be surrendered in all circumstances. He can use us, even in the moments when we feel as if we have nothing to offer. In fact, He’s doing His best work when we lean into Him to fill the empty places of our hearts and meet us in our wanting.

God used yellow minion bells to remind me of the contentment that comes from believing that He is enough. Growth can still happen in the hard seasons. Flourishing can still happen in the storm.

In Jesus, we have everything.

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. Matthew 5:6