If Only…

When my daughter was a baby, i found myself in the middle of the night having a conversation with The Lord. I was sleep deprived, wondering if I was nursing correctly, and feeling insecure about caring for her they way that she deserved. My prayer began, if only she would sleep through the night. If only, she would nurse a little longer so I could be sure she was eating enough. If only, I could heal so the entire process would not be so painful.

If only…

Now, you may not be a nursing mother of a three month old baby, but no doubt you have expressed to The Lord how all your problems would be fixed If only (fill in the blank) would happen. I begged the Lord to grant my “If only” wishes.

God’s answer was far greater than simple fixes for my problems.

Philippians 4:11-13 records the words of the Apostle Paul in his letter to the church in Philippi:

11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

In this passage, God was giving me contentment through Him. Christ was giving me the strength to endure whatever I was facing. He gave me patience to wait on His answers and a true sense of contentment while I waited.

So although God answered and provided sleep, a happy, healthy, growing baby and healing, He gave me so much more.

Contentment. Feeling or showing satisfaction with one’s possessions, status, or situation.

Especially in our finances, it is easy to let the If onlys creep into our prayers. If only we had more income; if only we could pay off this debt; if only my credit score were higher. If only…

God’s answer is the same. He offers contentment – walking us through our financial challenges with a spirit of contentment, promising to give us the ability to do all things through Christ who gives us strength.

May His strength be yours today!