There is something about the book of Philippians that infuses within me a desire to transform myself into a brand new person, but in the Cinderella style where with the flick of a wand, pumpkins turn into carriages. But since we don’t live in an era where wands do things like that and Caroline can’t stand the sight and smell of pumpkins, we’ll stick to the baby steps approach. :)

From Philippians 4:10 and onward, Paul describes that he has learned to “be content whatever the circumstances” (4:11). What makes this ten times more amazing is that Paul has been through tortures and drama that we would never imagine possible in one little person. But through all this, he still has the guts and nerve to say that he is content? Only someone so truly in-tune with the Lord’s heart can say something like that or endure through things the way Paul did.

This leads me to examine gifts that God has placed in each of us. There are definitely many instances which makes us crumble a little inside, especially when it has to do with our reputation, our talents, and everything that creates the image which others see us as. But in the midst of all this, the most important aspect is the value that we see ourselves in. I serve on the worship team here at NOC, and singing has been one of the very few things that really uplifts me and positions me closer to God. I love it so much, but what hinders me often is the knowledge that someone will always be better than me at singing, someone will always inspire more, and someone will always be appreciated more. But can this someone top the way I feel on stage and off when I’m pouring out my heart to the Father and singing as freely as one would in the shower? The overwhelming sense of euphoric otherworldliness is never comparable nor exchangeable, and that is one thing that I can own with my complete soul and heart. I want to do my part, because God created me to do that part which I am the perfect puzzle piece for. I hope with all my heart that you feel that way too, reader, whenever you partake in any duty as a mother with two kids, a working professional in a cubicle, a weary pastor, or even someone from a broken family. Even as you serve in a certain ministry at church behind-the-scenes or upfront, you are the perfect choice for your task, because God made it so.

Isn’t the simple fact that we are alive and thriving enough to grant us the satisfaction of knowing that God wanted us to be alive and thriving? He chose each of us to be who we are, and that is personally enough for me to feel a connection with the Maker, the Creator of all things. Paul boldly states in verse thirteen that he can do EVERYTHING through God who gives him strength. How confident are we in God that we know that anything really is possible with Him? How content are we in our gifts given to us specifically by God that we know that we are already at our best and He just wants us to realize and utilize that?

If you ever feel discouraged and defeated from the pressures of the earth to work harder, be faster, stronger (remind you of a certain song?), better looking or more improved in general, read Paul’s words in Philippians. This man has been through it all, yet ultimately in the end, he rejoices GREATLY in the Lord.

Our bodies will decay, our lives will ultimately end… but the love of Christ is eternal, our souls are shining lights, and we are worth so much to the One who matters.