I have learned
Posted by appolus on May 8, 2020
Phil 4:11 Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.
Paul is a great example to us when he tells us that he had “learned” to be content. There is no magic wand to arrive at this position. We must “learn” And we learn by walking through the fires and the floods. Giving ourselves over and surrendering in every situation so that we can find the freedom that is found in the darkness. What do I mean by that? Well the greatest freedom ever wrought was formed and delivered to us from Calvary.
It is on the tree that Jesus set us free from the laws of sin and death. Gethsemane, Calvary, the cross, the resurrection, this is the path. There has to be a willingness to take up our crosses and die. I do not believe it is every forced upon us. Well I remember the day in 1995, four years after I came to Jesus, that I cried out to my heavenly Father” whatever it takes Lord for me to be useful to you.” One of those prayers that you know that you know that was heard before the throne.
The next 20 years there was one trial after another. The kind of trials that make you fall to your knees. Over and over again. Yet, I began to discover deep truths in these trials. After so many of them it occurred to me how faithful God was to me in the midst of them. How He was always there. How disappointed I was by my lack of total trust in Him as I walked through them. How I was determined in my spirit to walk through the next one, which I knew was coming, with more faith and trust in the faithfulness of God. I discovered that this journey was a journey not about my own faith but about discovering just how faithful the Lord was to me. It was all about His faithfulness!! And the light bulb began to come on. I was “learning.” And my own faith was strengthened in the midst of it all.
A Call To The Remnant 
bcparkison said
And that is what it is all about.
Shannon said
Thank you brother Frank for your encouraging words. It’s been 10 years since I was radically transferred out of the darkness by our mighty king. I can tell you that my life has been turned upside down, inside out, multiple times since that day. This has included some heavy spiritual warfare. So much so that even other Christians have been dismayed by my endless trials. I have never doubted the Lord with anything in my life after he rescued me out of that darkness. How can I? If he could save me out of the world, I figure he’s pretty much got everything else covered, no matter how things might look in the natural. When things start to fall apart, an excitement stirs in my heart knowing that the Lord’s power will be magnified in it. Now, when I see people are struggling to keep everything together, fighting thru some trial, wanting answers, I say ” Leave room for the Lord to move!” He knows about it, be bold in your faith in Him. I also remember “and the peace that surpasses all understanding, willl guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus”. Phil 4. Sometimes even understanding a situation wont bring you peace, but trusting Him with all of it will always give you peace. God bless you brother!
appolus said
Amen Shannon! One of my life scriptures as well, being anxious for nothing has been my goal and surrender is the key every time. We come from the same darkness sister, into His marvelous light………………….bro Frank
Larry said
Thank you, Shannon. I am in great trial now, and your good word is encouraging.
Shannon said
Larry,the Lord lead me to this Psalm today.
Psalm 37:5 -6.
Commit your way to the Lord, trust in Him and he will do this,
He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn,
The justice of your cause like the noonday sun.
This brought tears to my eyes when I read it. I hope it comforts your heart.
I’ll be praying for you brother.
imalamb said
Jesus is doing this exact training for me through this life on earth journey! It took me awhile to figure put what and why were all these serious trials landing on my doorstep. I was sure I was doing something big wrong. Then out of the blue one day He simply told me what He has been up to. The life lesson and truth is learning blind faith and trust and no matter the weight of the cross. It was the greatest miracle insight I ever received. My love for Him took off to places I’ve never seen before. If you will go with Him, He will show you that His love for you has no limit ever.
I am a former heroin addict and clean now 48 1/2 years!
This is what I’ve learned.
appolus said
Amen brother, I have been sober myself for 30 years, God bless you……………………bro Frank