Recently, I was challenged by the thought that discontentment is often due to being ungrateful. I was asked if I was thankful for what God had given me or upset at what He hadn’t given me.
I immediately thought of Paul’s attitude as seen in Philippians 4:11-13, “I don’t say this out of need, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know both how to have a little, and I know how to have a lot. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret [of being content]—whether well fed or hungry, whether in abundance or in need. I am able to do all things through Him who strengthens me.” (HCSB)
As a leader, have I learned that secret? I am not sure I have. At times, I think about how it could be if I had a perfect “Little House on the Prairie” family, or health, or the perfect ministry doing so much more for the Lord, if I………….. You get the picture.
First of all, how many perfect families, ministries or health situations are you aware of? Second, what am I missing because I wonder if? What does true contentment look like?
Well, I would see what God has done rather than what I am still waiting on. Take ministry for example. Do you wonder how to get more women involved, or do you focus on those God has brought? Do you wish you had a bigger budget to accomplish more, or do you wisely use your current budget?
There is nothing wrong with praying for a greater harvest of ministry, but often I think I focus on that ideal and miss all that God is doing in my midst.
1 Timothy 6:6 reminds us that “godliness with contentment is great gain.” What will it take for me, as a leader of women, to understand and be thankful for the lives He has allowed me to be involved in? When will I realize all I have from God at this very moment, that He has provided perfectly, for me to accomplish His current assignment in my life?
I challenge you as well. Stop now and write down what God has given you to do His work for His glory. Write down at least three of those.
Challenge yourself to do that daily this year. Perhaps you might challenge your leadership team to do the same. Now, ask God to give you His vision, dream and aspirations to continue that work.
I am writing this on Thanksgiving Day this year and I want to challenge myself and you as women’s leaders to “be content in any situation” God has allowed. Ask Him for a grateful heart and a clear vision of His provision for your current ministry situation.
