Changi Chapel

Contentment was a huge test in Paul’s life. God said he would use him mightily (Read Acts 9:15) but often he found himself in prison, in isolation and nothing big or major happening in his life.

Paul was in no hurry to see everything fulfilled in his lifetime. He knew he had an ironclad promise from God, and he clung to it. For the present moment, he was content to minister wherever he was: witnessing to a jailer, to a sailor, to a few women on a riverbank. This man had a worldwide commission, yet he was faithful to testify one-on-one.

Nor was Paul jealous of younger men who seemed to pass him by. While they traveled the world winning Jews and Gentiles to Christ, Paul sat in prison. He had to listen to reports of great crowds being converted by men he’d battled with over the gospel of grace. Yet Paul didn’t envy those men. He knew that a Christ-surrendered man knows how to abase as well as abound: “Godliness with contentment is great gain…and having food and raiment [clothing] let us be therewith content” (1 Timothy 6:6, 8).

The world today might say to Paul, “You are at the end of your life now. Yet you have no savings, no investments. All you have is a change of clothes.” I know what Paul’s answer would be: “Oh, but I’ve won Christ. I tell you, I’m the winner. I’ve found the pearl of great price. All the sufferings of this present time can’t be compared with the joy that awaits me.”

Will this be your testimony today?

David Wilkerson*
Pastor/Author/Bible Teacher

* Bro David Wilkerson’s funeral was held in Texas on 1st May. Lets pray for his wife Gwen who is still in the hospital recovering after the fatal road accident in which Bro David died. He may no longer be with us in flesh and blood but Bro David’s spirit-filled writing’s will continue to stir, spur and challenge christians around the world!