Context is everything...

 
The message is funny and, too often, true. 
 
Now, the real question: What is Paul REALLY saying in this passage below?

Read before and after the bold type below. What is Paul REALLY saying? I'd love to hear from you.

How I praise the Lord that you are concerned about me again. I know you have always been concerned for me, but you didn’t have the chance to help me. Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. Even so, you have done well to share with me in my present difficulty. As you know, you Philippians were the only ones who gave me financial help when I first brought you the Good News and then traveled on from Macedonia. No other church did this. Even when I was in Thessalonica you sent help more than once. I don’t say this because I want a gift from you. Rather, I want you to receive a reward for your kindness. At the moment I have all I need—and more! I am generously supplied with the gifts you sent me with Epaphroditus. They are a sweet-smelling sacrifice that is acceptable and pleasing to God. And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.Now all glory to God our Father forever and ever! Amen.
—Paul to the Church at Philippi in Philippians 4:10-20


Comments

eeidson said…
Based on context (see how well I listen?), I would read this as a statement that no trial or difficulty is TOO difficult with Jesus. Just this past weekend, we really honed in on the "Nothing is impossible with God" concept in worship. The fresh revelation of that facet of our Heavenly Father was rephrased, "Nothing is even all that hard for God". It is one of those spiritual truths that we know in our heads, but so often fail to embrace with our hearts!
10:15 AM
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