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