The Secret of Paul

I am able to do all things through Him who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13

This verse is popular among those who seek some extra encouragement right before their test or sports game. On its own, it can help convince someone that whatever they try to accomplish, God will give them the strength to do it. Although this is not entirely incorrect, those neglecting the context provided by Paul would miss the point of his actual message. In his “Epistle of Joy,” he brings great encouragement and hope to those who were concerned about his current circumstances, being in prison. Right before verse 13, he tells them:

…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. Philippians 4:11–12

Although his food, possessions, and even freedom were taken from him, he would not be moved. In the midst of his painful surroundings, he found “the secret of being content.” His circumstances were no longer a factor in his state of mind. So what is this secret? What was it that Paul found that reversed the curse of the fall, allowing him again to become “blind” to what was happening around him?

We see this same "pre-fall" experience with Elisha when the king of Aram sends his army out to capture the prophet. When Elisha’s servant found the army surrounding the city, he anxiously notified his master. Elisha’s answer was: “Don’t be afraid, for those who are with us outnumber those who are with them” [2 Kings 6:16]. However, he was not talking about Israel’s army. While his servant was probably wondering what army Elisha was talking about, Elisha prayed, “’Lord, please open his eyes and let him see.’ So the Lord opened the servant’s eyes. He looked and saw that the mountain was covered with horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha” [2 Kings 6:17]. Notice how Elisha did not pray for the army, but for his servant’s ability to see them. The natural eyes of his servant led him to the reasonable conclusion that their situation was hopeless. They were outnumbered and had nowhere to go. Elisha’s eyes, however, were not set on his circumstances, but on his trust in God. God had called him to be His prophet and to do the things that led the king of Aram to order his captivity.

In his psalms, David oftentimes shows an interesting balance between the natural and spiritual perspectives of his circumstances. A great example is how he starts off Psalm 22 with the well-known statement:

My God, my God, why have You forsaken me? Why are You so far from my deliverance and from my words of groaning? My God, I cry by day, but You do not answer, by night, yet I have no rest. Psalm 22:1-2

He cried out to God, aware of his challenges and pain. However, these words are directly followed by his proclamation, “but You are holy, enthroned on the praises of Israel. Our fathers trusted in You; they trusted, and You rescued them” [Ps 22:3-4]. The rest of this passage continues with how God had saved him and his fathers in the past. Even when he was aware of the pain he was facing, he realized what God had said to Job: He is the One who made the heavens and the earth; He has proven His faithfulness time and time again. Who are we to doubt Him now, even when it looks like the walls are closing in on us?

Paul carried this truth in an eternal sense. Elisha believed for protection right at that moment, but Paul knew that his suffering for the Gospel may not stop until the moment he passes. But knowing this, he considered that “…the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is going to be revealed to us” [Rom 8:18]. His secret was merely this:

For we walk by faith, not by sight, and we are confident and satisfied to be out of the body and at home with the Lord. 2 Corinthians 5:7-8

The secret of being content is a redemption of the fall: closing your eyes again to whatever opposes the Word of God (cf. 2 Cor 10:3–5). We remember that everything on this earth is temporary and God has built us an eternal dwelling place. “And the One who prepared us for this very purpose is God, who gave us the Spirit as a down payment” [2 Cor 5:5]. Only when we receive and walk with the Holy Spirit can we effectively walk with God on the waters, even when the wind attempts to overtake us. For the Spirit testifies of Jesus [John 15:26], who has called us and offers us peace and comfort.

The reason that the “Problem of Evil” is still used as an argument against God is because of its emotional weight. Plantinga rightly points out the obvious point that “it is a necessary truth that if someone bears pain magnificently, then someone is in pain.”¹ Not understanding why a loved one has to live with scorching pain for the rest of their lives, why a meaningful relationship falls apart and leaves both parties with a broken heart, or why a young child suddenly loses their life is a pain that is real and should not be ignored. David wrote of his pain in the psalms, and Jesus wept when Lazarus had died, even when He knew He was going to raise him from the dead [John 11:35]. The truth is that we will not understand everything that happens in this world, but in the end, understanding does redeem us; faith does. Some things might happen for a greater good, and sometimes the fallen world we live in brings us pain and destruction. The beauty of God is that He knows our pain, for He has experienced the ultimate form of suffering. Now He has sent us His Comforter, so we can lay our pain before Him, so those who sow in tears will reap in joy [Ps 126:5-6]. Maybe in this life, or the life to come. All we can do now is have faith in the One who has proven Himself worthy to be in control.

Now without faith it is impossible to please God, for the one who draws near to Him must believe that He exists and rewards those who seek Him. Hebrews 11:6

Footnotes

1. Plantinga, God, Freedom, and Evil, 23.