Flexibility Is Power.

So, here it is right out of the gate: Flexibility is developed by learning to adjust to changes in life.

In Philippians 4:13 we have one of the boldest and most aggressive statements of reality ever made.  Literally, “I can do all things— no matter what this entails or includes— by means of the One who keeps on infusing His strength into me, who keeps on pouring His power through me!” {RR Exp}.  See it?  Flexibility produces power.  This is true in golf; it’s true in the martial arts; and it’s true in our spirituality.  And if there’s one thing this passage illustrates, it’s spiritual flexibility as the outworking of spiritual contentment {vv. 11-12}.

Can you make this declaration in your own life?  Can you claim this by faith for every problem, every heartache, for every crisis, catastrophe, letdown or disaster?  I’m challenging you to make this v. and what it teaches a part of the discipline of your daily life, to bring it into experiential reality in your own life.  Not just tomorrow, or the next day, or the next day, but every day and in every adverse situation from here on out— until the Return of the King!

The progression is: We learn, which develops knowledge; and from knowledge comes ability, the ability to be flexible.  From flexibility, then, comes power.  This is what the ‘process of development’ looks like.

 I.  Divine flexibility begins with personal contentment— Philippians 4:11.

II. Contentment demands character, and character comes through trial— Romans 5:3-5a.  Paul said, “we ...rejoice [‘we exult, we glory’] in our sufferings [meaning our ‘trials,’ our ‘tribulations’], because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope.  And hope [absolute assurance in the plan and power of God] does not disappoint us....”

III From inner contentment comes adaptability— Phil. 4:12.  ‘Adaptability’ is defined in Webster’s New World Dictionary of the American Language as the ability ‘to adjust oneself to new or changed circumstances.’  I.e., we’re no longer intimidated by changes in circumstance or situation.  The issue is no longer what we have, but who we are {cf. 1 Tim. 6:6-10 and 17-19}.

IV.     Adaptability produces a tremendous power in our lives— v. 13.  From inner strength comes outer dynamics; but all of this comes from the sole Priority of life, Jesus Christ.

V. Abba’s power and ability are channeled through our availability.

Amen and amen!

HJC	Ric Webb  |  Shepherd Heart’s Journey Community 9621 Tall Timber Blvd. |  Little Rock, AR 72204 t +1.501.455.0296
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