Getting Out or Getting Content

Waiting to board my next flight, I was observing the passengers deplaning from another flight. One man, much older than me, came down the ramp and entered the terminal with the words, “How do I get out of this place!” I suspect many of us have had a similar experience, although it may not have been in the physical surroundings of an airport. Your desire to “get out” may have been in emotional, mental, or even spiritual surroundings, but it was none the less felt. When faced with this circumstance, we have two options: to find a way out, which may, in some cases, be both the wanted and needed alternative; or to accept and adjust to the circumstances. Paul’s circumstances involved captivity, but whether he lacked bread to eat or clothes to wear, whether he was hungry or thirsty, cold or naked, he wrote, “I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content” (Philippians 4:11). The Greek word for “content” is a common word in Greek philosophy. It means “self-sufficient,” “independent.” In other words, Paul had adjusted, adapted, to his circumstances and was ready to be used by God in the midst of them. What are your surroundings today? Do you need to “get out of here” or take steps to be “content?”

Join with me in praying for the following global concerns this week:
• Pray for Craig, Peter, and Suzanne who serve at the University of British Columbia, where 8500 International Students represent the largest international population of any university in North America. Two-thirds of the 45,000 student-body are classified as second generation (born in Canada but parents born outside of Canada). Fifty-seven percent of the population on the UBC peninsula claim to be Atheist.
• Pray for Robert and Donna as they lead a Hokkien (language/dialect) workshop in July in a city in Southeast Asia.
• Pray for Russell and Melinda as they lead the 4th annual Sports/ESL camp this week in the Czech Republic.
• Continue to pray for many mission teams serving around the world.